Two R.I. Shaw's stores achieve zero-waste landmark

WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — Supervalu banner Shaw's announced that two of its Rhode Island locations diverted more than 90% of store waste from local landfills as part of the company's zero-waste program.

Shaw's said its Barrington and Cranston stores achieved total waste diversion of 90.76% and 90.81%, respectively. In addition to the two new zero-waste stores in Rhode Island, the Shaw's Lancaster, N.H., store also is one of the newest to join the zero-waste program, bringing the company total to eight.

Accomplished through an innovative approach to recycling, organic composting and food donations, the goal of the Shaw's zero-waste program is to eliminate landfill waste from operations. Each store now maximizes recycling, food donations, organic composting and overall waste reduction so less trash is placed in local landfills. Additionally, every Shaw's location is diverting all of its organic materials, soft plastics, hard plastics and all of its paper and cardboard.

"We are committed to sustainable operations at Shaw's and continually work to use resources more efficiently, reduce waste, and devise solutions that enable our customers to feel good about shopping with us," Shaw's president Mike Stigers said. "I have our associates to thank for their efforts to help these additional two stores achieve this important milestone. Their continued efforts will be pivotal as we expand our zero waste efforts to additional stores."

Overall, Shaw’s stores have united to keep more than 32 million pounds of waste out of local landfills and donated more than two million meals to local food banks and hunger relief efforts since 2011.