ecomaine Nonprofit, Community-Owned Waste Management Organization

ecomaine is a nonprofit, community-owned waste management organization based in Portland, Maine, serving over 70 municipalities across the state. It provides comprehensive, sustainable solutions for managing waste through its integrated facilities: a single-sort recycling center, a waste-to-energy plant, and a secure landfill. As Maine’s first and largest single-sort recycling facility, Ecomaine processes tens of thousands of tons of recyclable materials each year. Its waste-to-energy plant reduces trash volume by up to 90% while generating electricity for local use. Committed to environmental stewardship, ecomaine is ISO-certified for both environmental and safety standards, and actively engages the public through educational programs, tours, and resources like the Recyclopedia app. The organization is dedicated to helping communities reduce, reuse, and recycle effectively—placing landfill use as the absolute last resort.

ecomaine is a nonprofit waste management organization based in Portland, Maine, dedicated to providing environmentally responsible solutions for recycling, waste-to-energy, and landfill services. Owned by a coalition of over 70 municipalities across Maine, ecomaine plays a vital role in helping communities reduce their environmental impact and move toward a more sustainable future.

At the core of ecomaine’s mission is the belief that waste can be managed in a way that protects public health and the environment. Through its single-sort recycling program, residents can recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal all in one bin, making recycling more convenient and accessible. ecomaine then processes these materials at its state-of-the-art facility, turning waste into valuable resources.

In addition to recycling, ecomaine operates Maine’s first and only waste-to-energy plant, which converts non-recyclable waste into electricity. This facility reduces the volume of landfill waste while generating power for thousands of homes—a cleaner alternative to traditional disposal methods.

ecomaine is also deeply committed to education and community outreach. The organization offers tours, school programs, and educational materials to help residents understand what happens to their waste and how they can make more sustainable choices. Their commitment to transparency and public engagement makes them a trusted resource in environmental stewardship.

Through innovation, efficiency, and community collaboration, ecomaine sets a standard for sustainable waste management in New England. Whether it’s improving recycling rates, reducing landfill use, or generating renewable energy, ecomaine is leading the charge in creating a cleaner, greener Maine.