Natick Moves 'Toward Zero Waste' With Food Collection, Compost Pilot

At this past weekend’s ArtWork, Natick hosted the first in its series of “Toward Zero Waste” events, where the town seeks to recycle or compost 75 percent of all garbage from an event.

Providing bins to help divert salvageable waste from the regional incinerator, it will once again take the same approach in some other upcoming events.

The town, with the collection sponsored by Whole Foods, put out food waste bins to accept leftover or uneaten food purchased at the event, including meat and dairy products. The bins also accept paper, such as napkins and uncoated paper plates, and food-soiled paper, like greasy pizza boxes. The town then sends the collected food waste to Hidden Acres Farm in Medway for composting – the same location Natick is considering for its curbside pilot.

“Our goal for the ‘Toward Zero Waste’ program is twofold,” said Jillian Wilson Martin, Natick’s sustainability coordinator, in an announcement. “We want to reduce the impact community events have on the environment and give residents the chance to experience how easy composting can be. We’re grateful for the donation from Whole Foods and look forward to helping residents learn more about alternatives for food waste.”

Natick officials also announced that more than 600 requests have already come in from residents wishing to participate in the proposed curbside composting pilot. It’s expected to launch in March of 2016. Sign up and give feedback here.

Upcoming “Toward Zero Waste” events include the Monday concerts not he common and the Wednesday performing arts series on the common, as well as Natick Days on Sept. 12.