BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The CCE of Broome will be offering free food scraps caddies at the Broome County Regional Farmers Market on January 15th from 9am – 1pm to promote their community composting program. Joining members will be given a caddy and information about composting after a short orientation training. Members will be able to drop off their food scraps at their convenience year-round.
Food waste composes the largest share of household waste by weight. When sent to the landfill, food waste produces methane, a greenhouse gas, which is released into the atmosphere. Composting diverts food waste form the landfill and recycles the nutrients from food scraps to enrich the soil. Individuals and households that compost may notice less weight and smell from their garbage.
Individuals living in apartments where composting is not permitted or houses with limited backyard space are encouraged to join. One current member joined because they “…live in an apartment and don’t have the option to start our own compost bin in the backyard at the moment.”
Those interested in joining can contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at (607) 772-8953 or email Josh at jse67@cornell.edu. Sign-up information can be found on the CCE website, http://ccebroomecounty.com/
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Broome County