A Complete Guide to Composting in the Sound Shore

A Complete Guide to Composting Food Scraps in the Sound Shore

Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste, enrich soil, and contribute to a healthier environment. In the Sound Shore area of New York, residents have access to various composting options, from backyard composting to convenient drop-off locations. In this guide, I'll cover how to start composting and where to drop off your compost in Pelham/Pelham Manor, New Rochelle, Larchmont, Village of Mamaroneck, Town of Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Rye, and Harrison, NY.

Getting Started with Composting

To begin composting, you'll need a proper setup. Many of the Westchester municipalities are now offering starter kits for residents for a nominal amount. This usually includes a countertop pail and a transportation bin. Westchester County's Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) established the Residential Food Scrap Transportation and Disposal (RFSTAD) Program to help municipalities. Municipalities pay a subsidized rate for the transportation and disposal of food scraps collected by the municipality either through drop-off or curbside collections. 

Compost Drop-off Locations

Sound Shore residents can drop off their compostable materials at local facilities. Here's a list of compost drop-off locations in the Sound Shore area:

Pelham and Pelham Manor

  • Lot 7 behind Village Hall (195 Sparks Avenue) north of the Department Public Works (DPW) Yard. Enter on Sparks Avenue, then follow signs to the back northwest corner of the lot. 7 days a week.

Larchmont

  • Larchmont Recycling Center: 40 Maxwell Ave, Larchmont, NY 10538 7 days a week.

Village of Mamaroneck

  • Mamaroneck Recycle Center: 313 Fayette Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 7 days a week.

Town of Mamaroneck

  • Maxwell Ave Compost Site: 40 Maxwell Ave,, Larchmont, NY 10538 7 days a week.

New Rochelle

  • Down to Earth Market-- Thomas Paine Cottage Museum. 20 Sicard Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10804.  Fridays 9am-12pm June 11 to November 19

Port Chester

  • Port Chester DPW (82 Fox Island Road) and at the Rye Brook Village Hall Parking Lot (638 King Street) Rye Brook. 7 days a week.

Rye

  • The Disbrow Recycling Center food scrap drop-off site at 141 Oakland Beach Avenue Rye NY 10580 7 days a week.

Harrison

  • 55 New. King Street, West Harrison, NY 10604. 7 days a week.

How to Recycle Food Scraps

1. SET UP your countertop pail and transportation bin (create your own bin system with countertop pail and transfer bin)

2. COLLECT food scraps in your 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.

3. STORE and TRANSFER – Most residents will fill the countertop pail with food scraps 3-4 times per week. Use a larger TRANSFER bin to store food scraps in for weekly storage and transfer to the drop-off site.

4. DISPOSE food scraps at drop-off location as often as needed.

Accepted Items At Food Scrap Drop Off Sites

ALL food waste, including: *If you can eat it, it can go in the bin!*
• 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

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
• Lint

Items Not Accepted
Please do not 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

START COMPOSTING!

Composting is a rewarding way to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable community. With the easy to access local drop-off locations, your efforts will help improve the environment in the Sound Shore area. Get started today and experience the benefits of composting first hand.

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