Stamford Food Scrap Recycling Starts June 5

STAMFORD, CT — According to an announcement, the City of Stamford will begin accepting residential food scraps on Saturday, June 5. Both the Katrina Mygatt Recycling Center and the Scofield Recycling Center will accept food scraps brought in compostable bags.

"Stamford has been a leading voice on environmental issues in Connecticut and this is yet another example of a simple green action we can take that can lead to big results. I’d like to thank Dan Colleluori and all of the volunteers that helped make this initiative a reality," Mayor David Martin said in a news release.

"Starting this Saturday, residents can bring their food waste to the Katrina Mygatt Recycling Center from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and to Scofield during its once-a-month recycling event on Saturdays," said Dan Colleluori, Director of Recycling & Sanitation. "In a few months, residents will be able to take home free compost from the recycling center."

Composting at the City composter allows residents to remove more food from their garbage than they can with backyard composting, including grease, meat, dairy, and bones.

Accepted Items (in compostable bags)

All Food, including:

• Leftover and Spoiled Food (cooked and greasy OK)
• Fruits and Vegetables (remove stickers, bands or ties)
• Meat and Poultry (bones OK)
• Fish and Shellfish (NO oyster or clam shells!)
• Dairy Products
• Bread and Pasta
• Eggs and Egg Shells
• Chips and Snacks
• Nuts and Seeds
• Coffee Grounds (paper filters OK)
• Tea Bags (no staples)
• Cut Flowers
• Wood Chopsticks
• Compostable Bags (no plastic bags)
• White Paper Napkins and Paper Towels (not with chemical cleaners)

Paper and cardboard, as well as plastic, should continue to be recycled in the City’s weekly curbside recycling program.

"Food scraps are one of the largest components of trash in landfills and a significant source of greenhouse gas," the City said in a news release. "Stamford landfills 55,000 tons of garbage each year, costing $75 per ton. Some 30-40% of Stamford’s garbage is food or organic waste that could be composted."

The City is selling optional home recycling kits at cost ($20). Each kit includes not only a countertop bin but a 6-gallon transfer bin with a lockable lid and several will easily fit into the average trunk. Additional rolls of compostable bags are also for sale ($2 each).

For more information, click here.