The Town of New Paltz implemented a food waste composting program after several interactive workshops with the public as part of the EPA Zero Waste initiative where organics was voiced as the main concern. By partnering with SUNY New Paltz, this program got off the ground quickly with the support of NYSDEC. 

New Paltz is a registered facility and able to accept 1,000 cubic yards of food waste per year. We are already at capacity. After SUNY signed on and the word got out, Stop and Shop contracted with a hauler to pick up their organics three times a year. The hauler said that Hanneford has approached them to take their organics as well. 

What we need are more registered facilities. There are minimal start up costs. The most difficult part of the operations is bringing in enough bulking agent (yard waste) to keep the piles composting. The information is on our website at http://www.newpaltzreuse.org/news-events/new-paltz-zero-waste-initiative-a-epa-partnership

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/UlsterCorps-Action-Alert---RVGA-Gleaning---Processing.html?soid=1102382261913&aid=zLGl7UJjyqQ



Are there any New Paltz area farms/CSA's interested in doing this? The New Paltz food pantries could sure use some fresh produce to fill their shelves. If you are a farm/CSA and would like to open your fields to gleaning (harvesting produce that wasn't ready at the last harvest or had imperfections so it wasn't suitable for market) please get in touch at (845) 255-8456 or recycling@townofnewpaltz.org