Please join fellow town residents in recycling food scraps. I will be encouraging Westchester County to find and open up a compost site in Westchester so the food scraps don't have to be carted out of county. If many people participate in food scrap recycling --it will enhance our chances of making this happen. Eventually, local governments will also pick up food scraps. THIS IS THE FIRST STEP that could reduce the amount of garbage that we get rid of.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Recycles Food Scraps!
Beginning January 17, 2018, Greenburgh accepts resident food scraps for recycling at no charge.
The food scrap drop-off site location and hours are as follows:
Anthony F Veteran Park, 11 Olympic Lane, Hartsdale, NY 10530
Open everyday, 8am - 8pm
How to Recycle Food Scraps
1. COLLECT your food scraps in a countertop pail; all food is accepted, but should not be mixed with non-food or non-compostables, as described in the 'Items Not Accepted' section below. Although not required, you may line your pail with a compostable bag – please no plastic bags. Collection starter kits including everything you need are available for $20.00 at Anthony F Veteran Park and Greenburgh Nature Center, details in the 'Where and When to Get a Starter Kit' section below.
2. Most residents will fill the countertop pail with food scraps 3-4 times per week. Therefore, it is suggested that residents also have a larger bin to TRANSFER food scraps into for weekly storage. This larger bin can also be used for transportation of food scraps to the drop-off site at Anthony F Veteran Park. Anything that holds around 5-6 gallons and has a lid will work. It is recommended that food storage bins be kept indoors – either in the house or in the garage.
3. BRING your transportation bin to the food scrap recycling drop-off bins at Anthony F Veteran Park to dispose of your food scraps as often as needed.
Accepted Items
ALL food waste, including:
• Fruits and Vegetables (remove stickers, rubber bands, twist ties)
• Meat and Poultry (bones ok)
• Fish and Shellfish (shells ok)
• Dairy Products
• Bread and Pasta
• Rice and Grains
• Egg Shells
• Chips and Snacks
• Nuts and Seeds
• Leftover, Spoiled and Expired Food (cooked ok)
Other Items (If in doubt, ask before contaminating your food scrap recyclables):
• Coffee Grounds (paper filters ok)
• Tea Bags (no staples)
• Paper Towels and Napkins
• Cut flowers (not landscaping waste)
• Compostable Bags
Items Not Accepted
It is important not to include the following items, as they will contaminate your food scrap recyclables:
• Plastic Bags
• Baby/Hand Wipes
• Diapers
• Glass, Metal or Plastic
• Pet Waste or Kitty Litter
• Styrofoam
• Yard Waste
Where and When to Get a Starter Kit
Starter kits include a 2 gallon kitchen countertop pail, a 6 gallon transportation bin, a resident instruction guide, and a 25 count roll of 3-gallon compostable bags.
Please bring a check for payment (cash/credit is not accepted).
Greenburgh Nature Center
Welcome Desk
99 Dromore Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583
Monday - Thursday, 9:30am-4:30pm
Friday, Closed
Saturday - Sunday, 10am-4:30pm
Anthony F Veteran Park
Administration Building
11 Olympic Ln, Hartsdale, NY 10530
Labor Day - January: Monday - Friday, 10am-4pm
February - May 19: M/T/Th/F 10am-4pm, Wednesday 10am-7pm
May 19 - September 3: Everyday, 10am-4pm
Refill compostable bags are also available for purchase, $2 for 3-gallon and $5 for 13-gallon.
What happens to the food scraps?
The food scraps are hauled to a commercial compost facility in Ulster County, NY. They are mixed with yard waste and turned into nutrient-rich soil amendment - compost!
Where else is there a residential food scrap recycling program?
In January 2017, the Village of Scarsdale launched their food scrap recycling program, which our program is modeled after. Over 15% of Scarsdale households are now participating in food scrap recycling, which has far exceeded their expectations. Bedford and Larchmont-Mamaroneck have also adapted Scarsdale’s food scrap recycling program model.
Want to learn more or volunteer?
Email Rachel Carpitella at foodscraprecycling@greenburghny.com