Print
Share page with AddThis

Food Waste Recycling Pilot Program to Begin April 20, 2024

Posted on: April 16, 2024 - 2:31pm
Mark your Calendars! Residential Food Waste accepted at landfill starting 4/20/2024

According to a 2015 study published by the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, it is estimated that 22.3% of the solid waste stream in Connecticut consists of food - that's nearly 520,000 tons per year of food being thrown away. More food reaches landfills and incinerators than nearly any other single material in our everyday trash (second only to paper!). Collecting food scraps and recycling them reduces the amount of waste going to out-of-state landfills and can also reduce the amount of household garbage residents need to dispose of.

Beginning on Saturday, April 20, 2024, the Town of Simsbury, in partnership with Paine's Inc, will be launching a new pilot program to accept residential food waste at the transfer station on Wolcott Road. A permit for the facility is required and can be obtained when the transfer station is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 3 PM.

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

Step 1: Collect food scraps

  • Collect your food scraps in a countertop food waste pail using clear plastic or BPI Certified compostable bags (black bags are not acceptable).
  • Be sure to check that items are on the acceptable food waste items list and remove ALL stickers/non-food material before disposing (for example, labels/stickers from peels and rinds) to ensure food waste can be processed.
  • Most residents will likely fill up this pail several times a week; therefore, we recommend having a larger bin designated for the weekly storage and transportation of your food waste to the landfill. This bin should be kept indoors, so it is not an attractant for local wildlife.

Step 2: Deposit

  • Bring your storage/transportation bin to the transfer station and empty it into the food waste dumpster.

Step 3: Reuse

  • Paine’s will haul all food waste collected at the transfer station to an anaerobic digester, where it will be processed into clean fuel.

Acceptable Food Waste Items:

  • Milk, Cheese Dairy
  • Condiments (no containers)
  • Seafood (no shells)
  • Bread, Grains, Pasta
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Meats (no bones)

Not Acceptable:

  • Wraps, Cotton, or Tape
  • Utensils, Bones, or Shells
  • Plastic or Glass Containers
  • Latex Gloves or Medication
  • Wood, Leaves, or Yard Waste
  • Styrofoam, Twist Ties, or Foil

We hope you'll take advantage of this new opportunity!