Jesus Leyva posted the following on the Paradise City Forum listserv:
25% of our solid waste stream is composed of food waste. The Northampton DPW announces a big step in diverting food waste from the residential solid waste stream. This is really exciting news…
Residential Food Waste Collection Trial
By mid-June, the Northampton Department of Public Works will implement a free food waste collection program at the Locust Street Recycling Center. This trial will assess the level of interest in diverting organic wastes from the residential waste stream by measuring participation and generation rates. The program will be provided to residents at no cost and will run for at least a year…and perhaps longer.
There are 2 remaining registration sessions that have been scheduled for residents at the Department of Public Works office at 125 Locust Street:
Tuesday June 1 5-7pm
Thursday June 3 5-7pm
Additional registration sessions may be scheduled at a later date. A 2010-2011 vehicle permit will be required for access to this service. Even if a resident doesn’t use the DPW Recycling Center for trash and recycling, they may purchase a permit to participate in the food waste collection program. Permits are $25 for residents and $5 for seniors (62 years and older) and a vehicle registration with a Florence, Leeds or Northampton address is required. Permits are affixed to the vehicle as part of the registration process.
What will be accepted for composting?
FOOD WASTE
Meat, chicken, bones, fish, shellfish, eggs & eggshells
Fruits & vegetables, peels & pits, nuts & shells
Bread, rice, pasta, dough & baked goods
Dairy including cheese & butter
Spoiled or moldy food (no liquids)
Tea (loose & bagged), coffee grounds & filters
Anything that is (or was) edible
NON-RECYCLABLE PAPER & CARDBOARD
Paper napkins, paper towels
Paper hot drink holders
Paper bags, flour/sugar bags
Paper to-go containers (no plastic lining or wire)
Food-soiled waxed paper, paper board and cardboard
Food-soiled portions of pizza boxes (NO whole pizza boxes! The soiled portion can be composted, but all clean material should be recycled)
Paper plates, paper cups (no Styrofoam, plastic lids or straws)
Small wooden fruit crates (no wire)
Wooden chopsticks, skewers, toothpicks
For more information, contact Karen Bouquillon at 413-587-1059 or at kbouquillon@nohodpw.org
