Danvers Launches Curbside Food Waste Pilot for Up to 1K Households

DANVERS, MA — Danvers is launching a new curbside food waste collection pilot program that will be open to up to 1,000 households on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program was developed in partnership with Black Earth Compost and is part of its effort to reduce trash, lower disposal costs, and support long-term sustainability goals.

Residents who enroll will receive a free 13-gallon compost cart and compostable liners at no cost from the town.

Participants will subscribe directly to Black Earth Compost for curbside collection. Residents will pay the subscription fees, and weekly and every-other-week pickup options will be available based on household needs.

Enrollment will roll throughout the year until the program reaches capacity.

The more households who sign up, the lower subscription costs will become over time because of shared service efficiencies.

After signing up, participants will receive information from Black Earth Compost on how to pick up or receive their free starter kit.

The town described the program as: "A simple way to make a meaningful environmental impact."

More than 20 percent of the average Massachusetts household's trash is food waste. Throwing that material away increases disposal costs and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, while composting can turn scraps into nutrient-rich compost that supports healthier soils and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

Residents can enroll here.