Town Recognizes 1 Year Anniversary Of Food Scraps Program

GREENWICH, CT — On June 15, 2020, Greenwich's Food Scraps Recycling Program was launched.

One year later, according to a news release from Waste Free Greenwich and the Greenwich Recycling Advisory Board, residents have contributed approximately 3/4 of a ton of food scraps each week, with just over 34 tons of food scraps diverted from the waste stream since July.

"In our never ending drive to make Greenwich a waste free community, the one-year anniversary of our food scraps program is both a celebration of progress and a reminder that our work continues," First Selectman Fred Camillo said in a news release. "I salute Waste Free Greenwich and all our other environmental advocates for a very successful 12 months and look forward to even bigger and better things in the near future."

The program is voluntary and free to all Greenwich households. Residents collect food scraps at home in accordance with the program guidelines and can bring them to the drop-off shed next to the trash building at Holly Hill Resource Reovery Facility during hours of operation.

Residents can also drop off scraps at the Old Greenwich Farmers' Market during designated hours on Wednesday afternoons only. The material is carted to a commercial facility to be processed into nutrient-rich compost, which Waste Free Greenwich distributed to residents during its compost giveback day in March.

All food, including meat and dairy products, shells and bones, is accepted, in addition to tea bags, cut flowers, paper towels and napkins.

"Residents report that source separating food scraps for recycling cuts trash by up to 50%, which leads to more sustainable habits to prevent food waste, like shopping with a list, storing foods properly and using leftovers," Waste Free Greenwich said in a press release. "Waste Free Greenwich is inspiring and empowering the community to prevent food waste and compost through its Save the Food challenge and educational events."

Wast Free Greenwich noted that In Connecticut, food scraps account for over 22% of municipal solid waste. However, this material is not trash but a valuable resource that can return nutrients to the life cycle, resulting in cleaner soil, water and air.

"Initiatives to prevent food waste and divert organics have significant benefits for our community and beyond," they said.

Although they are not required, residents can purchase "starter kits" to begin food scrap recycling and make the process easier. Kits contain collection bins, compostable bags and a guide.

To purchase a starter kit, contact wastefreegreenwich@gmail.com or call Greenwich Green & Clean at 203-531-0006.

For further information and events from Waste Free Greenwich, click here.