The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched its Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs program at three farmers markets throughout the County. Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs provide residents with the opportunity to recycle their food scraps through composting.
The following food scraps can be recycled at a drop-off location:
- Bread and grains
- Coffee grounds and tea leaves (remove filters)
- Cooked food
- Dairy (cheese and yogurt)
- Eggshells
- Fruit and vegetable scraps (including pumpkins)
- Meat, fish and bones
“Recycling food scraps is a simple step we can all take to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment,鈥� said County Executive Marc Elrich. 鈥淏y offering food scraps recycling drop-offs at our farmers markets, we鈥檙e making it easier for residents to compost and support our zero-waste goals. These efforts are about changing habits and making sure more of what we get rid of gets put to good use. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this program.鈥�
Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs operate during the same times as the farmers markets. Food scraps can be dropped off year-round at these three farmers markets:
- Bethesda Central Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sundays.聽 7600 Arlington Road, Bethesda.
- Downtown Silver Spring Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring.
- Olney Farmers and Artists Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Maryland Route 108 and Prince Phillip Drive, Olney.
鈥淭he Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off Program continues our progress in cutting down the amount of food scraps thrown in the trash,鈥� said DEP Director Jon Monger.聽 鈥淭hat progress starts with each of us in our own homes and kitchens 鈥� when you make your next meal or snack 鈥� by keeping your food scraps out of the trash, we can each help the County achieve its zero waste goal and create a cleaner environment and support sustainable practices that benefit our community and future generations.鈥�