Westchester Reporter

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, in collaboration with the Yonkers Department of Public Works (DPW), has announced a free compost distribution initiative for Yonkers residents. This distribution is part of the City of Yonkers’ food scrap recycling initiative, which is being carried out in partnership with Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities. The compost being distributed is a product of the Yonkers residential food scrap recycling program, which has successfully collected more than 30 tons of food scraps from local residents.

Eligible residents, upon 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 reduce pollution and improve 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 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 this program to include curbside collection for 200 households at 1085 Warburton Avenue. This served as a model for expanding to other buildings and households. Currently, efforts are underway to bring food scrap recycling to MHA buildings in collaboration with the Municipal Housing Authority of the City of Yonkers (MHACY).

Since the inception of this program, there has been an estimated reduction of approximately 571 tons in the City’s solid waste stream.

"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," said a representative from the Department of Public Works.

The Yonkers Department of Public Works Home Food Scrap Bins are available for purchase 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. Composting food scraps produces a useful 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.