It’s true–30% of our trash is food scraps and compostable paper (collectively referred to as organics, sometimes also called compost), that’s a lot. Organics could instead be collected separately so they can be made into compost, a nutrient-rich soil amendment for our gardens, fields, and trees. What if we also told you that keeping organics out of the trash also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Anyone ready to try it out?
We are here to help! We’ve had a drop-off option for organics available since Fall 2020 at the Resource Recovery Center at Rumford Ave. Although it has been well used, it hasn’t been convenient enough for many residents. We have now launched an expansion of the no-cost organics drop-off program to three new locations. The expansion is a pilot program featuring three new, more accessible organics drop-off sites. All the collected compostable materials will be picked up by Black Earth Compost. Click here to view the list of accepted materials. Black Earth will process these materials to make finished compost.
NEW ORGANICS DROP-OFF BIN LOCATIONS
- Albemarle Road, north bound, just past the baseball diamond
- War Memorial Circle, Newton City Hall, by the bike rack
- Wheeler Road, directly across from Oak Hill Middle School (130 Wheeler Rd) next to two Helpsy bins
To prevent our organics bins from being used as trash cans, they are kept locked. Anyone seeking to drop-off organics will need to complete a brief registration form one time to get the lock combination. The new bins are available all-year long and 24-hours a day. The current organics drop-off bins at Newton’s Resource Recovery Center, 115 Rumford Ave, will still be available and no registration is required. Check our website for the Center hours of operation.
HOW TO USE THE BINS
- Click here or use the QR code below to register.
- Then follow the instructions on the image below (the same sticker is on the bins).
- Organics must be contained in a certified compostable or paper bag. Loose material and non-certified compostable bags are not accepted to keep our bins clean.
- There is no fee to participate in the program.
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DROP-OFF TIPS
Collect accepted materials in a reusable container lined with a 3-gallon bag that is certified compostable or made of paper only. For transporting your bagged organics to a drop-off site, it’s handy to use a kitty litter bucket or 5-gallon bucket. Help keep the drop-off bin area clean and free from debris. All organics must fit in the bin and not be left on the ground. Click here to learn more about composting and composting tips.
THANK YOU!
We appreciate you taking the time to read and learn about this pilot program and how you can easily have a positive impact on our community everyday. Thanks also to our partners, especially Newton’s Parks and Recreation Department, for making this pilot program possible.
Free Starter Kits for the
Black Earth Compost Curbside Organics Program
There has never been a better time to join the over 3,000 Newton households who subscribe with Black Earth Compost for curbside organics collection service. Newton has State earmarked funds to pay for organics collection starter kits ($39 value) for residents setting up new service. The kit is required for curbside service and it includes a food scraps bucket or cart (that you, the resident, will get to keep) and compostable liner bags.
More reasons to sign up for Black Earth curbside service, they offer:
- A variety of service plans for as little as $2.31 per pickup.
- In the Spring, subscribers receive a voucher for a free bag of compost (a value of $10+) to use on your lawn, garden, and plants.
- Service for many apartments as well as houses and condos.
- A low-cost, high-quality convenient service to get food waste out of the trash.
Click here to find out more about curbside collection service. The cost of the starter kit will be automatically deducted at checkout when you sign-up for service in Newton.
QUESTIONS ABOUT MANAGING ORGANICS
Drop-off program: contact recycling@newtonma.gov
Curbside subscription service:contact Black Earth Compost
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