Food waste and composting are important topics for New Bedford and Dartmouth residents. Food waste is one of the largest components of the residential waste stream, accounting for approximately 20% of residential trash. The District offers a variety of options to help residents prevent food waste and divert food scraps from the trash. For more information, call (508) 979-1493, text (774) 503-0254, or email marissa@gnbrrmdistrict.org.
1. Prevent Food Waste at Home. Extend the life of your food and save money with simple food storage, meal planning, and food waste prevention tips. View the Save Food Save Money flyer. Also, watch The Life of a Strawberry below to learn about the resources that go into producing our food.
2. Backyard Compost at Home. Turn fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment. The District sells low-cost compost bins to New Bedford and Dartmouth residents. Learn about backyard composting and how to purchase a low-cost compost bin.
3. Drop Off Food Scraps. Bring food scraps to your city or town’s recycling center or transfer station for composting. Learn about local food scraps drop-off locations and accepted materials.
4. Participate in the In-Home Food Scraps Diversion Pilot Program. FoodCycler is a home appliance that reduces food waste volume by up to 90%. Transform your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil amendment and say goodbye to smelly trash! Learn more about the In-Home Food Scraps Diversion Pilot Program.
5. Curbside Food Scraps Collection. Reduce your household trash by up to 30% through curbside food scraps collection with Black Earth Compost. Food scraps, including meat, bones, dairy products, coffee grounds, and food-soiled paper products, are collected and transformed into nutrient-rich compost. Service is available to New Bedford residents and eligible Dartmouth residents. Learn more and sign up for curbside food scraps collection.