Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District Appoints New Executive Director

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. - The Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District unanimously appointed Anthony Novelli as Executive Director effective in January 2024. Mr. Novelli joined the District as Project Manager in 2022 and was promoted to Assistant Executive Director in July 2023 as part of a succession plan to replace its outgoing Director Scott Alfonse in 2024. Mr. Alfonse has served in this role since 2012 after over 22 years of service as the City of New Bedford’s Director of Environmental Stewardship.

Mr. Novelli brings a passion for waste management and waste reduction to the role. A Massachusetts native, he previously served as Director of Operations for Island Green Living Association in St. John, USVI, where he was the first employee of the non-profit organization. Under Anthony’s leadership, Island Green Living Association pioneered sustainability programs focused on reducing the amount of waste being sent to the local landfill, including composting and wood chipping, the opening of a reuse store, and aluminum can and plastics recycling programs. After joining the District, Mr. Novelli was one of 9 young professionals from around the U.S. selected to participate in the Solid Waste Association of North America’s (SWANA) 2023 Young Professional Leadership Academy. Through a year-long program, the academy mentors young professionals and helps enhance their leadership qualities and abilities.

Mr. Novelli takes over as the District begins implementing elements of its recently completed comprehensive plan and enhancing organics (food waste) diversion in the District.  Mr. Novelli said, “the District’s founding members had great foresight in siting and developing the Crapo Hill Landfill, which continues to provide an extremely valuable, yet under-appreciated service to Dartmouth and New Bedford: cost-effective and environmentally responsible waste disposal. The District has a well-run organization that has benefitted from great leadership and management over the past three decades. We will continue to look ahead, prepare for future challenges, and make decisions in the best interest of our member communities. I feel that my personal mission and interests align well with the mission of the District, and I am excited and honored to become the next Executive Director.”

District Committee chairperson  and Dartmouth representative John Beauregard expressed his enthusiasm for Mr. Novelli’s appointment. “For over a year, the District has planned for succession of its leadership team.  Anthony’s motivation, resourcefulness, and enthusiasm are the perfect fit for the position.  We are confident in Anthony’s vision and leadership to keep moving things forward within the District.”

The District is a regional refuse District governed by a 6-member Committee representing the City of New Bedford, MA and the Town of Dartmouth, MA.  The District owns and operates the Crapo Hill solid waste landfill in Dartmouth, and provides waste reduction education and outreach services to residents of New Bedford and Dartmouth.