Each year the City of Rockland handles approximately 5,104 tons of solid waste, plus Rockland recycles approximately 29.5 percent of the materials brought to the transfer station, according to a news release from the city. Rockland, like many towns, faces questions and challenges over the next five years in terms of how to maximize the amount of this material that is reused and then dispose of the rest in a responsible and cost effective manner.

EcoMaine is solid waste partnership owned by 21 municipalities in the Casco Bay Area. Since its founding EcoMaine’s programs have grown to serve over 40 Maine towns and cities that encompasses over a quarter of the state’s population. EcoMaine processes more than 41,000 tons of recyclable materials from its member and affiliate communities each year, officials in Rockland said.

At 6:30 p.m., Oct. 22, representatives from EcoMaine will be at City Hall to talk about the trends they see in municipal solid waste management in the Casco Bay region. What are the components of a successful municipal recycling program? How many towns have a Pay-as-you-throw system? How does single stream recycling work? Under what scenarios is curbside pickup affordable and helpful?

The number of options for solid waste reuse and disposal has steadily dwindled in Maine. EcoMaine is an example of a municipal partnership approach to a region’s solid waste challenges. Joining EcoMaine at Wedneday’s information meeting will be representatives from WasteZero. WasteZero works with municipalities nationwide to develop effective waste reduction programs.

Given recent debates about how to handle solid waste in Rockland and the broader challenges that lay ahead, this forum is to give residents an opportunity to learn about successful programs in Southern Maine and across the Country.

The meeting takes place in Rockland City Hall Council Chambers. For more information, contact Acting City Manager Tom Luttrell (TLuttrell@Rockland.Ci.US).