Food Scrap Program

Food satisfies one of our most primitive needs and is the core of economic, social, health and environmental systems. Did you know that food sent to a landfill not only wastes nutrition and the resources used to grow, store, process and distribute it, but it also produces methane, which dramatically accelerates global warming.

According to the EPA, landfills contribute more than 14 percent of all U.S. methane emissions, and estimates that food waste is the most common material feeding our landfills. Even if our industry is responsibly capturing methane at landfills, reducing food in the waste stream presents a key opportunity to lower our carbon footprint.

Columbia County has implemented a food waste scrap program to assist our residents and community in reducing the waste taken to the landfill.

The EchoRich in-vessel composter recycles the food waste on site, without odors or pest problems, while reducing the dependency on landfills.

Please take a moment to review the video below and the list of what can and cannot be accepted in our program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiCRYoL8Qj0

Thank you for your interest and commitment in making a difference in our community!

● Fruits and Vegetables – NO stickers, bands, ties
● Meat and Poultry – Bones are OK
● Fish and Shellfish – Shells are OK
● Dairy Products
● Bread and Pasta
● Rice and Grains
● Eggshells
● Chips and Snacks
● Beans, Nuts, and Seeds
● Leftover and Spoiled Food
● Coffee Grounds
● Tea Bags – STAPLES MUST BE REMOVED

Non-Acceptable Items

● NO plastic bags, compostable/biodegradable bags, packaging, stickers, rubber bands, or twist ties
● NO pet waste, baby wipes, diapers, foil, paper plates, paper towels, tissue, napkins, feminine
products, or compostable products
● NO plastic, glass, metal, kitchenware
● NO NON-FOOD ITEMS
If it is not on the list it is NOT accepted in Columbia County

Please do not hesitate to contact the Administrative Office, 518-828-2737.