Brownfields

KVCOG received funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist communities in cleaning up sites where redevelopment, expansion or reuse is complicated by the presence (or perceived presence) of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants.  Funds are available as grants to municipalities or low-interest loans to private developers.  KVCOG works closely with the EPA, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, municipalities, developers and environmental consultants to produce successful redevelopment projects.

Some of our projects include:

• The Town of Hartland Tannery Annex
• Unity Food Hub
• Gardiner TW Dick Building
• Waterville’s Seton Hospital Redevelopment

For more information on KVCOG’s Brownfields Program, please contact:
Jessie Cyr
Community and Economic Development Specialist
207-453-4258, Ext 220

Solid Waste

KVCOG provides environmental planning services to municipalities, solid waste districts and associations, and water districts. KVCOG has considerable experience in solid waste management, watershed protection and storm water management and road maintenance for water quality improvement.

Services include:

• Composting
• Recycling/Reuse Assistance and Education
• Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
• Bulky Waste Recycling and Disposal
• Universal Waste Recycling and Education
• Public Education

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

Olivia Kunesh

Environmental Planner

207-453-4258 Ext. 222

Textile Recovery and Collection Service

KVCOG invites you to join our regional initiative in Textile Recycling.

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, and good for your bottom line.

KVCOG’s initiative with Apparel Impact will add 13 new collection bins in 10 new communities throughout the KVCOG region! With these new additions there will now be approximately 20-24 total bins throughout 17 different municipalities in the KVCOG region. 

Want to donate or recycle your textiles? Check out our map of collection locations!

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

Olivia Kunesh

Environmental Planner

207-453-4258 Ext. 222

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program

• Many chemicals commonly used around the home, as well as unused pharmaceuticals, are hazardous and need to be disposed of by professionals trained to handle this material.  Improper disposal can disrupt the function of sewage treatment plants, private septic systems, contaminate ground water, and harm animals and humans.
• KVCOG works with your community, and other local partners to schedule days where members of your community are able to bring these materials to an area location for proper disposal. 
• In 2023, KVCOG is looking to expand this collection program to reach more communities in our region. With these programs KVCOG can continue to support safer and healthier environments for the people living, working, and recreating in our region.

For more information about the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, or for more information on how to schedule one in your community, please contact:

Olivia Kunesh

Environmental Planner

207-453-4258 Ext. 222

Battery and Cell Phone Recycling Program

KVCOG invites you to join our regional initiative in recycling cell phone and rechargeable batteries. KVCOG is working with Call2Recycle to divert hazardous materials from landfills. 

Call2Recycle was established in 1994 by five battery manufacturing companies to provide battery collection and recycling services for rechargeable batteries. The program is national and is now funded by over 300 battery and battery-powered product manufacturers.

Call2Recycle provides free recycling of rechargeable batteries to municipalities. Municipalities can choose to also collect and recycle other batteries for a per-pound fee. Municipalities must collect batteries from the public and this can occur at town offices, transfer stations, recycling centers, or any other municipal facility.

Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cordless phones, laptops, cell phones, cameras, two-way radios, biomedical equipment, etc. 

KVCOG is a certified drop-off location for Call2Recycle's collection services. When you recycle your rechargeable batteries with us, valuable metals can be recovered and used into new products such as silverware, pots and pans, new batteries, and even golf clubs!

We are not currently accepting single-use batteries. Single-use batteries, such as AA, AAA, 9V or C or D cell, are by nature different, making their recycling process different than recycling rechargeable and cellphone batteries. 

If you're not sure what type of battery you have, download this battery guide - Chemistry-Specific-Battery-Recycling-Guide-1.pdf

If you would like to become a host for these collection boxes, schedule a drop-off, or have questions related to the program, please contact:

Olivia Kunesh

Environmental Planner

207-453-4258 Ext. 222