Free Compost For Larchmont, Mamaroneck Residents

LARCHMONT, NY — For the second year in a row, the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Sanitation Commission has arranged for distribution of free garden compost to Town of Mamaroneck and Village of Larchmont residents. The event will be held at the Maxwell Avenue Recycling Facility from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4 — rain or shine — on a first-come first-served basis.

People should bring a pail, bucket or portable recycling bin and a shovel. They will be allowed to collect up to two of their own containers of compost, up to 35 gallons each.

The compost “give back” acknowledges a groundswell of community support for our voluntary Food Waste Recycling initiative, officials said. Participants separate food scraps from their regular trash to be dropped off at Maxwell Avenue for transport to a facility where it is converted to compost.

Diverting food scraps from the waste cycle has repurposed many tons of moisture-heavy waste, otherwise bound for incineration, to become nutrient-rich soil that fosters healthy plant growth for landscaping and agriculture.

Since the Food Waste Recycling and Composting program launched in Larchmont and Mamaroneck in September 2017, nearly 800 residents have purchased recycling kits to facilitate collection and transport of household food scraps to Maxwell Avenue. Many more participate using other containers and compostable bags.

In recent months, local houses of worship, Mamaroneck Union Free School District and local private schools have joined the earth-friendly effort, officials said.

Adding compost to your yard helps soil retain moisture, suppresses plant disease and reduces the need for fertilizers. It improves soil structure and is rich in beneficial microorganisms that help plants stay healthy. Compost can be applied to flower beds, vegetable gardens, lawns and outdoor potted plants

Last year, despite heavy rains, residents lined up at Maxwell Avenue to sample a generous supply of top quality compost, a spokeswoman said. Steve Altieri, superintendent of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Joint Sanitation Commission, anticipates even stronger interest in the upcoming compost give back.

“The continued expansion of our Food Waste Recycling program demonstrates that this community places a high priority on environmental responsibility and takes action to improve the health of our ecosystem,” he said.

Convenient food waste kits and compostable bags are available at the Maxwell Avenue Recycling Center and Town Center (administrator/supervisor’s Offices, 2nd floor) during normal operating hours.

For more information, email Information@LMSanitation.org or the Sustainability Coordinator at sodierna@townofmamaroneckny.org.

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