Two April events help New Bedford and Dartmouth residents reduce food waste at home
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (March 31, 2026) — This April,New Bedford and Dartmouth residents will have several chances to pick up free composting tools, including kitchen counter bins, a chance to win a stainless steel bin, and even a free full-size backyard compost bin.
Kitchen counter bins are designed to collect food scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels. The contents should be emptied into the backyard compost bin. These bins are available only at Compost Bin Day and the workshop.
COMPOST BIN DAY – SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026 – $25 BACKYARD COMPOST BIN
Residents who purchase—or have previously purchased—a backyard compost bin will be eligible to receive a free 2-gallon plastic Sure-Close kitchen counter bin, while supplies last. In addition, four residents will be randomly selected to receive a free 1.3-gallon stainless steel kitchen counter bin.
Residents may purchase a backyard compost bin for $25(including tax) during Compost Bin Day on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 8:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Crapo Hill Landfill, located at300 Samuel Barnet Boulevard, New Bedford. Entry is through the New Bedford Business Park.
- Payment: Cash or check only
- Requirement: Proof of New Bedford or Dartmouth residency
BACKYARD COMPOSTING WORKSHOP – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026 – FREE BACKYARD COMPOST BIN
A Backyard Composting Workshop will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Buttonwood Community Center, 1 Oneida Street, New Bedford.
New Bedford and Dartmouth residents who attend and complete the workshop will receive one free backyard compost bin and a free 2-gallon plastic kitchen counter bin, while supplies last. In addition, four residents will be randomly selected to receive a free 1.3-gallon stainless steel kitchen counter bin. The workshop will cover:
- Compost bin assembly
- Composting best practices
- How to use compost at home
Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Proof of New Bedford or Dartmouth residency is required to receive a free backyard compostbin and a free 2-gallon plastic kitchen counter bin.
AVAILABLE COMPOST BIN OPTIONS
The Refuse District offers two backyard compost bins at a discounted rate of $25 each (including tax), with the City of New Bedford and the Town of Dartmouth covering the remaining cost for their residents.
Earth Machine (80 gallons):
- Ideal for smaller households or limited yard waste
- Rigid recycled plastic construction
- Twist-lock ventilated lid and perforated base plate
- Easy assembly, and a sliding door allows compost removal
- Add water to keep the contents as damp as a wrung-out sponge or drill holes in the lid to allow in rainwater
New Age Composter (Up to 180 gallons – Made in New Bedford):
- Ideal for larger households and gardens
- Flexible recycled plastic with adjustable diameter
- Cone-shaped base for aeration—no turning required
- Video with instructions for assembly: https://youtu.be/08qDLLv1Hgc
ABOUT BACKYARD COMPOSTING
Backyard composting diverts fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard waste from the trash, transforming them into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that improves soil health for gardens, plants, and trees.
“Food waste makes up approximately 20 percent of the waste residents generate in their homes,” said Marissa Perez-Dormitzer, Waste Reduction Manager. “Composting reduces trash, saves landfill space, and preserves valuable nutrients for gardening.”
The benefits of composting include:
- Cost Savings: Reduces the need for trash bags
- Nutrient Preservation: Returns valuable nutrients to the soil
- Landfill Conservation: Helps divert food and yard waste from disposal
- Gardening Benefits: Provides free compost for home gardens
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For composting questions or resources, visit gnbrrmdistrict.org/food-waste-composting/backyard-composting/
or contact the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District at:
- Phone: (508) 979-1493
- Text: (774) 503-0254
- Email: Marissa@gnbrrmdistrict.org
Residents are also encouraged to follow New Bedford Recycling on Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor and Dartmouth Recycling on Facebook and Nextdoor.