In honor of Earth Month, the Department of Public Works is pleased to announce the April start of the brand-new Food Scrap Drop-off Program!
Beginning April 1, City residents can drop off food scraps at Davis Hall (9217 51st Avenue) in the designated food scrap container. In addition, there will be drop-off locations at the Downtown and Hollywood Farmers' Markets beginning in May.
Items that can be accepted for the drop off include: fruit and vegetable scraps; coffee grounds and tea leaves; dry goods - breads, pasta, nuts, rice and grains; dairy products, eggs and egg shells; meat, fish, poultry and bones – cooked or uncooked; food soiled paper products – napkins, paper towels, coffee filters, and tea bags. Dropped off food waste will be composted locally at the Prince George’s County Organics Compost facility.
The first 50 residents to visit the Department of Public Works during regular business hours (starting April 1) can pick up a free 5-gallon container for their food scraps!
Not sure how to get started?
Food scrap composting is very easy. Separate the accepted food scrap items from other trash and place in either a BPI certified compostable bag (available at all locations for free) or in a container with a closed lid (for example - empty coffee containers with sealing lids are great for this). Once it gets full, bring the food scraps to the designated drop off area at Davis Hall or during the farmers markets and follow the instructions provided to dispose!
Just a quick note, please do not include plastic products of any kind, pet or human waste, diapers, shells, grease or fats, or ash from wood or charcoal as they cannot be accepted.
For more information, go to www.collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps for a video, accepted list and more.