Solid Waste

KVCOG works with municipalities, solid waste districts and associations, and water districts to support environmentally responsible planning and management. Our team has extensive experience in solid waste management, watershed protection, stormwater planning, and road maintenance strategies that improve water quality.

We provide practical, community-focused solutions that help reduce waste, protect natural resources, and build healthier, more sustainable communities.

Our services include:

• Food Waste Diversion – Guidance and program support to keep organics out of landfills.
• Recycling & Reuse Assistance and Education – Tools and outreach to strengthen recycling programs and promote reuse.
• Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) – Safe collection and disposal programs for dangerous household materials.
• Bulky Waste Recycling and Disposal – Solutions for items that are difficult to manage, such as furniture and large appliances.
• Universal Waste Recycling and Education – Support for proper handling of items like fluorescent bulbs, batteries, and electronics.
• Public Education – Community outreach and resources to encourage long-term environmental stewardship.

With these services, KVCOG helps communities meet regulatory requirements, improve public health, and create cleaner, safer places to live and work.

For more information about KVCOG’s Environmental Resource Services, please contact:

Olivia Kunesh
Environmental Coordinator
(207) 453-4258 x 219
 

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program

Many products we use at home, such as cleaning supplies, paints, pesticides, automotive fluids, and even unused medications, contain chemicals that can be harmful if not disposed of properly. When poured down the drain, thrown in the trash, or left outdoors, these materials can damage septic systems, disrupt wastewater treatment plants, contaminate groundwater, and pose serious risks to people, pets, and wildlife.

To help protect our communities and environment, KVCOG partners with local municipalities to host Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days. These events provide residents with a safe and responsible way to dispose of hazardous materials with the help of trained professionals.

In 2025, KVCOG is working to expand the program to serve even more communities across the Kennebec Valley region. By participating in these collection days, residents are contributing to cleaner water, safer homes, and healthier communities for everyone who lives, works, and recreates here.

2025 HHW Schedule:

For more information on how to schedule one in your community, please contact:

Olivia Kunesh, Environmental Coordinator
 

Composting

Composting is one of the most impactful ways to reduce waste. By diverting organic materials from landfills, composting helps cut greenhouse gas emissions, extend the life of local landfills, and transform food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost that improves soil health for gardens, landscaping, and agriculture.

We offer support, including selecting the right composting system, planning and implementation, ongoing maintenance strategies, and outreach tools to engage and educate your community.

Whether you’re a municipality or school, KVCOG can help design a composting program tailored to your needs and connect you with available funding opportunities to make it a reality.

Together, we can turn waste into a valuable resource and build a more sustainable future for our region.

For more information or to discuss how composting could benefit your community, please contact:

Olivia Kunesh
Environmental Coordinator
(207) 453-4258 x 219

Textile Recovery and Collection Service

KVCOG invites you to join our regional initiative in Textile Recycling! Check out the 2024 Apparel Impact Annual Report - Maine.

KVCOG is working with Apparel Impact to place collection bins for textile recycling throughout Kennebec and Southern Somerset Counties. These bins are placed, emptied, and maintained free of charge. Apparel Impact is a Mainer-founded organization that is owned by, and employs, veterans throughout New England. Materials recovered from the drop-off sites are donated to those in need. All the materials donated stay in New England, and what can’t be used again is recycled so nothing ends up in the landfill!

This initiative diverts material and tonnage from the waste stream, saving space in your landfill, and saving on hauling material to costly processors. It’s good for the environment, good for the community, and good for your bottom line.

KVCOG’s initiative with Apparel Impact will add new collection bins in 4 new communities throughout the KVCOG region! With these new additions there will now be approximately 50-60 total bins throughout 31 different municipalities in the KVCOG region. 

For more information on this program, or if you would like one in your community, please contact:

Olivia Kunesh
Environmental Coordinator
(207) 453-4258 x 219