Food Scraps to Compost

The Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority in collaboration with the town of Ridgefield will be kicking-off the first of its kind organics (food scraps) collection programs in the state of Connecticut at the recycling center on Saturday, November 14th at 10am.

According to the EPA more food reaches landfills and incinerators than any other single material in our everyday trash.  Food waste shouldn’t be burned or landfilled: it's wet and heavy which doesn't make burning it at a Waste-to-Energy facility efficient for energy combustion and creates methane in landfills. The US EPA has identified landfills as the single largest source of methane.  It is a potent greenhouse gas that is twenty-three times more efficient at trapping heat than CO2.

Out of the 37 million tons of food waste generated in the U.S. only 5% is being captured to be processed into compost, leaving the other 95% going to landfill or Waste-to-Energy.  Compost added to gardens, construction sites, and poor soils makes great things happen! Compost is a unique soil amendment because of its ability to hold moisture and soluble minerals.  Properly composted organics are beneficial: It maximizes plant growth, it's effective at preventing soil erosion, it aids in stream and land reclamation, it helps with storm water management and construction sites, it reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides and its overall soil amendment is to improve soil health by increasing the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.

Ridgefield residents who sign up for the organics program will receive a free collection kit (1 gallon kitchen collection bin, 6 months of compostable bags, 6 gallon carry container, educational material and more). Residents will bring their organic waste to the recycling center as often as they would like and tip their 6 gallon container for $3. The fee covers the cost of transportation from the recycling center to New England Compost in Danbury where the material will be processed into compost. Currently residents pay $5 to bring their household trash to the transfer station. By removing organic material from their trash residents can use the transfer station less often saving money each week paying only $3 to rid themselves of the smelliest material in the trash. As the program grows and there is more participation the tip fee will likely go down.  

By providing your contact information HRRA and the town of Ridgefield will be able to contact you regarding program information, announcements and news.  Your information will not be shared with any other party and will only be used for this program.

ONLY FOOD Scraps are allowed in your bin.  No PLASTIC items, stickers, rubber bands or twist ties!
Acceptable Food Waste Items for Organics (Food Scraps) Recycling Program:
* Meat, Poultry (bones also) Fish (including shellfish)
* Dairy Products
* Flower & Vegetable Garden Waste
* Houseplants & Flower Bouquets
* Fruits & Nuts (including pits)
* Vegetables ***Remove stickers, bands and ties***
* Bread, Pasta & Grains
* Sauces, Soup & Gravy
* Coffee Grounds & Filters
* Tea Bags
* Paper Towels & Napkins
* Egg Shells
* Plate Scrapings

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* 1. Yes I am interested in dropping off my organics at the Recycling Center to be recycled into compost?

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* 2. I am willing to pay $3 to dispose of the organic material.  This option is cheaper than using the transfer station at $5.  I will be able to use the transfer station less often and save money.

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* 3. I would like to receive free compost in the spring for my yard.

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* 4. I promise not to contaminate the organics with unacceptable items such as plastic bags, twist ties, rubber bands, stickers from produce or any other non-organic material.

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* 5. I plan on using the compostable bags that are supplied to me for free. I will NOT tie the compostable bags when placing them into my carry container.  I understand that putting a knot in the bag creates a problem for the processor making it difficult for the bags to decompose.  I want to help make the program a success by NOT putting a knot in the bag.

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* 6. I plan on attending the Kick-off Event on Saturday, November 14th at 10am to receive my FREE KIT and information about the program.

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* 7. Here is my contact information so that you may contact me regarding the Kick-Off event and other program information.  I understand that my information will not be shared with any other party or used for any other purpose but for this organics program.

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