While dragging out the recycling and trash, a Springvale resident says, “I really don’t like waste.” Photo: Michelle McCarthy
By Megan Boisvert, City of Sanford Communication Coordinator
Ecomaine, the Portland-based company that collects and processes Sanford’s recycling, has named the city its 2026 eco-Excellence Municipality of the Year, recognizing the community’s commitment to recycling, sustainability, waste diversion and environmental stewardship.
The award was established by Ecomaine’s Outreach & Recycling Committee to recognize member communities that go above and beyond in advancing recycling, community education, and sustainability initiatives.
Sanford was one of four finalists for the honor, alongside Topsham, South Portland and Freeport. After evaluating each community’s recycling performance, outreach efforts, sustainability initiatives, and participation in multi-family recycling programs, the committee selected Sanford as the 2026 recipient. According to the company, Sanford stood out for its strong educational engagement, impressive recycling rate, and successful partnership with the Sanford Housing Authority through the Multi-Family Recycling Initiative.
Over the past year, organizations throughout Sanford have worked closely with ecomaine to engage residents through a variety of community programs and events. Outreach efforts included participation in National Night Out, a transfer station kickoff event, senior center presentations on composting and sustainable gift wrapping, middle school recycling education programs, and Green Team initiatives.
The city’s sustainability efforts were further strengthened through innovative waste diversion programs. In partnership with Apparel Impact, Sanford’s textile recycling program collected nearly 134 tons of textiles, helping keep reusable clothing and fabrics out of the waste stream.
Sanford also partnered with ecomaine through its Multi-Family Recycling Initiative to expand recycling access for residents living in multi-family housing. What began as a pilot program serving 61 housing units quickly grew to include 173 units, diverting nearly 1,800 pounds of recyclables within the program’s first few weeks. The initiative’s success was made possible through strong collaboration between ecomaine, Sanford Housing Authority staff, and residents.
“Receiving this award is a reflection of the commitment shown by our residents, staff, community partners, and local organizations who support sustainability efforts throughout Sanford and Springvale,” said Public Works Director Matt Hill. “We are grateful to ecomaine for this recognition and proud of the collaborative work that has expanded recycling opportunities, reduced waste, and strengthened environmental stewardship across our community.”
Sanford has partnered with ecomaine for the past four years and currently maintains a 27% recycling rate. Sanford previously received the 2019 eco-Excellence Award for Municipal Leadership as the city led the way in adaptation to enforced recycling contamination standards.
In announcing this year’s award, ecomaine noted that what distinguished Sanford was not any single initiative, but the collective effort taking place across the community, from engaged residents and active community partners to successful, measurable programs that have made sustainability an integral part of how the City operates.
The post City Earns Top Honors for Environmental Efforts appeared first on Sanford Springvale News.
