Rye is Now Food Scrapping! Pilot Program Kicked Off Monday

(PHOTO: Stakeholders gather to celebrate the FSR (food scrap recycyling) pilot launch at the drop-off site. Pictured from L-R: Melissa Grieco, Chair, Rye Sustainability Committee; Patti Capparelli, Rye Sustainability Committee; Angela Yusi, Dispatcher, Department of Public Works; Ryan Coyne; City Engineer; Sara Goddard, City Councilwoman; Linda Mackay, Rye Sustainability Committee; Pixie Brokaw, FSR volunteer; Emily Hurd, Deputy Mayor.)

The food scrap drop-off site at 141 Oakland Beach Avenue has seen heavy traffic with numerous residents depositing their bagged food waste in the large green toters (bins) setup by Sterling Field. The first curbside pickup was March 6, 2019 with a total collection weighing 1,460 pounds (includes drop-off). That's a lot of great compost in the making.

(PHOTO: Delicious rotting food and organic material!)

(PHOTO: No word if the ribbon from the ceremony was added to the compost pile.)

The pilot launch was celebrated on Wednesday with a short speech and ribbon cutting ceremony. Many program stakeholders attended including City Engineer Ryan Coyne, Deputy Mayor Emily Hurd and City Councilwoman Sara Goddard. Groups who've been integral in making the pilot a successful reality including Rye Sustainability Committee (who spearheaded the effort), Rye Girl Scout Troop 2196, Rye High School Environmental Club, and Rye Nature Center Executive Director Christine Siller were also on hand to mark the occasion.

To participate in the Food Scrap Recycling pilot, visit www.ryeny.gov and fill out the registration form. Curbside service is currently fully subscribed but drop-off is available to all Rye residents.