Since Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, Orange residents have had the opportunity to expand their recycling contribution by segregating their food scraps and depositing them at the Transfer Station and Recycling Center.
Orange Live published an article with the announcement (see text below) last fall on Oct. 10, and people responded. Recent recycling committee meeting minutes revealed that on Dec. 9, a little more than a half-ton of food scraps were collected. About three weeks later a little more than a quarter ton was collected and on Jan. 22, just under a half-ton was picked up.
This is wonderful news and a great start to an important program. If you missed the original article and are interested in participating and helping to save the planet in the simplest of ways, read the article below.
In partnership with Country Disposal Services, 4 large green bins are now located at the top of the Transfer Station (between the Goodwill trailer and the hopper) for this collection, For those who compost at home, no action is required, but to help reduce our MSW and improve sustainability, residents are urged to bring food scraps that will be composted for agricultural uses by Country Disposal Services, The Orange Recycling Committee with cooperation from the Board of Selectmen and Public Works Department has initiated this pilot program, which will not only reduce MSW tonnage being burned or buried, but will reduce town costs, as well. The cost of removal of the food scraps will be considerably less than the tipping fees currently being charged to the town for MSW removal.
Residents may bring food scraps and food waste to the Transfer Station during regular hours. Such material may be dumped directly into the bins or using plastic bags (which will be opened and disposed of after removal from the transfer station).
Items that are accepted in the bins are:
• Fruits, Vegetables, peels, and pits
• Eggs and, Eggshells
• Dairy products
• Meat and Poultry, including bones
• Seafood, including shells
• Coffee grounds and tea bags
• Baked Goods
• Chips and Snacks
• Rice and Grains
• Pet Food
Items that are NOT accepted include:
• Coffee Pods
• Plastic wrap
• Take out containers
• Plasticware
• Paper Goods
• Metal or aluminum foil
• Jars or glass
• Pet Waste
For more information, visit orangerecycles.com or follow facebook.com/ORCinCT.