Orange County announces initiative promoting food waste diversion and composting

Posted 8/31/22

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, the County’s Planning Department and the Orange County DPW, Division of Environmental Facilities and Services (DEFS) have announced a series of new …

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Orange County announces initiative promoting food waste diversion and composting

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Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, the County’s Planning Department and the Orange County DPW, Division of Environmental Facilities and Services (DEFS) have announced a series of new initiatives promoting food waste diversion and composting.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, nearly 18 percent of our total solid waste is food waste.

“That is why we should promote the diversion of food scraps, which will reduce waste sent to landfills and improve local soil,” Neuhaus said. “By taking these steps, we can reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides, improve water quality and protect the environment.”

The first part of the effort is a Home Composter and Rain Barrel Sale taking place online at enviroworld.us/orangecountyny. Orange County residents can purchase composters and rain barrels at a reduced rate. The deadline to purchase items and select a pick-up location will be Sunday, September 18. Education on how to use a backyard composter and rain barrel will be provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and will take place during the distribution of pre-purchased composters on Saturday, September 24 at Deacon Jack Seymour Food Pantry in Newburgh from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County in Middletown from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Warwick Valley Community Center in Warwick from noon to 4 p.m. All purchases must be ordered online by September 18.

Items can only be picked up from the location indicated on the original order. No walk-up orders will be accommodated on the day of distribution.

Saturday, Sept. 24 Composter and Rain Barrel Sale Distribution Sites
• Deacon Jack Seymour Food Pantry: 24 South Robinson Street, Newburgh
• Cornell Cooperative Extension O.C.: 18 Seward Avenue, Middletown
• Warwick Valley Community Center: 11 Hamilton Avenue, Warwick

The second part of the effort is to promote the Food Scraps Drop-off Site at Warwick Valley Farmers’ Market.

The Food Scraps Drop-off Site at Warwick Valley Farmers’ Market will be available to the public every Sunday at the market between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from September 4 through November 20. All meat and dairy, as well as any food scraps generated from businesses, will not be accepted at the Food Scraps Drop-off Site at Warwick Valley Farmers’ Market.