Compost
The Village of Dobbs Ferry has some very exciting news! With the help of the Sustainability Task Force, we were able to open a compost drop-off site within the Village!
What is it?
Composting transforms waste into a valuable soil amendment, saves space in landfills, saves money in trash disposal fees and actually helps slow climate change. Compost is a soil amendment which enriches our soil. When purchasing a bag of potting soil or observing your landscaper putting down "dirt" or "mulch", you are using compost. Compost benefits our landscape by maximizing plant growth, prevents soil erosion and mitigates the frequency of water, fertilizer and pesticide use. By recycling your food scraps, you are reducing waste and creating compost - a double win! Recycling food scraps into compost captures nutrients and energy and returns them to our environment. When food scraps are sent to a landfill or incinerator, this resource is completely lost. In a landfill, food scraps create methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas that traps CO2 and contributes to global warming. When sent to an incinerator, food scraps reduce the efficiency of the incinerator due to their water content and therefore do not burn well. Composting food scraps turns that story around! Instead of wasting energy burning food scraps, or creating methane gas in landfills, composting food scraps produces a useful and valuable product that closes the loop on your food cycle, resulting in cleaner soil, water and air.
How do I compost?
It's easy as 1..2..3!
1. Collect your food scraps in a countertop pail.
2.Transfer your food scraps into your transportation/storage bin.
3. Bring your transportation bin to the Food Scrap Recycling drop-off bins at the Dobbs Ferry DPW Garage to dispose your food scraps as often as needed.
Where/When is it?
Residents can now bring ALL food scraps to the Food Scrap Drop-off Site at the Dobbs Ferry DPW Garage located at 1 Stanley Avenue. The food scrap Recycling drop-off site is open Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:30pm (all year); Saturday-Sunday 6am-9:30am (April-November only).
What do I need to start?
Although they are not required to participate, food scrap recycling "starter kits" make it easy and are available at the Village Hall Administrative Office for $20 per kit (cash or check). The kits include a countertop pail, storage and transportation bin and a roll of 25 compostable bags for each container.
What is accepted?
ALL FOOD, including:
- Fruits and Vegetables (remove stickers, bands and ties)
- Meat and Poultry (bones ok)
- Fish and Shellfish (shells ok)
- Dairy Products
- Bread and Pasta
- Rice and Grains
- Egg Shells
- Chips and Snacks
- Nuts and Seeds
- Leftover, Spoiled and Expired Food (cooked ok)
- Coffee Grounds (paper filters ok)
- Tea Bags (no staples)
- Tissues and Napkins
- Cut Flowers
- Compostable Bags (no plastic bags)
- BPI Certified Compostable products
What is not accepted?
- Plastic bags, plastic packages and wrappers are never allowed in the bins.
- Baby/hand wipes are never allowed in the bins.
- Please no pet waste or yard waste.
If you have any questions regarding composting, please email us at composting@dobbsferry.com.