The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection has launched a Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off program at three farmers markets for residents to recycle food scraps through composting.
Currently, the county accepts several types of food scraps, including bread and grains, coffee grounds and tea leaves (remove filters), cooked food, dairy (cheese and yogurt), eggshells, fruit and vegetable scraps (including pumpkins), and meat, fish, and bones.
Food scraps are accepted for recycling during the farmers markets’ operating hours: in Downtown Silver Spring at Veterans Plaza from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays; at the Bethesda Central Farm Market from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sundays at 7600 Arlington Road; and the Olney Farmers and Artists Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays at Maryland Route 108 and Prince Phillip Drive.
Did you know that Montgomery County, MD, disposes of about 89,000 tons of food scraps annually? 🗑️ We’ve launched a Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs program at three farmers markets, allowing residents to compost their food waste! Learn more: https://t.co/53HWRhFUFX pic.twitter.com/NdfzyNkURG
— Montgomery County Dept of Environmental Protection (@MyGreenMC) October 9, 2024
“Recycling food scraps is a simple step we can all take to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in a press release. “By offering food scraps recycling drop-offs at our farmers markets, we’re making it easier for residents to compost and support our zero-waste goals. These efforts are about changing habits and making sure more of what we get rid of gets put to good use. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this program.”
More information about the Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off program is available on the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection website.
Photo: “better compost” by normanack is licensed under CC BY 2.0.