Food Scrap Diversion Workshop

The primary goal of this workshop and others throughout the state is to facilitate discussion around potential regional and local food recycling solutions. As a host community, we are excited to support both York and surrounding towns' path toward food recycling/composting programs. 

York DPW is working with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in collaboration with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry and the University of Maine Mitchell Center for Sustainable Solutions. This is a chance to learn about the most up-to-date information on local food waste recycling initiatives. This half-day workshop will introduce the concept of local consolidated food scrap collection and management as an alternative to disposal in our landfills. Discussions will focus on developing tools to help communities promote “higher and better uses” for collected organics along with providing a pathway for successful initiation of food scrap recovery programs. Strategies learned will allow York and surrounding communities to reduce overall disposal costs, decrease reliance on disposal in landfills, improve community health and enhance local soil health and vitality. 

Food costs are rising, as well as labor and transportation costs. This means that landfill disposal costs will continue to be one of the largest and fastest growing line items in Maine municipal budgets. Our state and community are developing proven solutions to significantly reduce food waste and landfilling costs.