Yonkers Mayor Spano joins Yonkers DPW Commissioner Thomas Meier, DPW staff and 1085 Warburton Ave. residents at the Yonkers Recycling Center to announce new Free Compost Distribution program.
(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO ANNOUNCES FREE COMPOST DISTRIBUTION FOR RESIDENTS.
Free Compost Created From More Than 30 tons of Recycled Food Scraps From Yonkers Residents.
YONKERS, NY – May 9, 2024 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and the Yonkers Department of Public Works (DPW) today announced free compost distribution for Yonkers residents. The distribution is part of the City of Yonkers’ food scrap recycling initiative in partnership with Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities. The compost is a product of the Yonkers residential food scrap recycling program, which collected more than 30 tons of food scraps from Yonkers residents.
Eligible residents, showing proof of residency, can receive one, 3-5 lb. bag of compost per household, while supplies last.
“Recycling food scraps reduces greenhouse gases and food waste in landfills and incineration facilities. It’s a simple way to help protect our environment,” said Mayor Spano. “Properly composted food scraps reduces pollution and improves overall quality of life. Thanks to our partnership with the County, Yonkers can continue to do its part in reducing our carbon footprint and continue to be leaders in creating a cleaner, greener, more sustainable Yonkers.”
In April 2022, the City of Yonkers initiated a food scrap recycling drop-off program at the Yonkers Recycling Center and became the largest municipality to join Westchester’s Residential Food Scrap Transportation and Disposal (RFSTAD) program. Last May, the City expanded the program to include curbside collection for 200 households at 1085 Warburton Avenue, which served as a model for expanding to other buildings and households. The City is currently working with the Municipal Housing Authority of the City of Yonkers (MHACY) to bring food scrap recycling to MHA buildings.
Since the start of the program, there has been a reduction of approximately 571 tons in the City’s solid waste stream.
Yonkers Department of Public Works Commissioner Thomas G. Meier said, "Food scrap collection has become a critical part of the recycling services offered by the Department of Public Works. The program is resulting in a significant reduction in solid waste and we're excited to extend the benefit of nutrient-rich compost to Yonkers residents."
The Yonkers Department of Public Works Home Food Scrap Bins are available for purchase ($20) at the Yonkers Recycling Center (735 Saw Mill River Road). Kits include one 1.9-gallon countertop pail, one six-gallon home storage and transportation bin, and a roll of 25 compostable bags. Filled bags can be dropped off at the Recycling Center.
Food scraps are one of the largest components of trash sent to landfills and incinerators. In a landfill, food scraps create methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas that traps CO2 and contributes to global warming. When sent to an incinerator, food scraps reduce the efficiency of the incinerator because they contain water and therefore do not burn well. Instead of wasting energy trying to burn food, or creating methane from landfilling it, composting food scraps produces a useful and valuable product that gives back to the nutrient life cycle resulting in cleaner soil, water, and air.
Compost will be distributed at the Yonkers Recycling Center, 735 Saw Mill River Road, Mondays - Saturdays, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. For more information on Yonkers food scrap recycling program, including acceptable food scrap items, how to participate and to sign up for free compost, visit www.yonkersny.gov/foodscraps.
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