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Three R's of Waste Reduction:
Three R's of Waste Reduction:
1- Reduce by buying only what you'll eat 2- Reuse by enjoying your left overs 3- Recycle by turning food scraps into compost.
Curbside Food Scraps Collection Program Launch
Curbside Food Scraps Collection Program Launch
Why Food Scraps to Compost: Turning Waste into a Resource
Why Food Scraps to Compost: Turning Waste into a Resource
Food scraps make up a substantial share of household trash. Separating them for composting returns valuable nutrients to gardens, farms and landscapes. Compost improves soil health and water retention, supports biodiversity, helps store carbon, and reduces erosion and stormwater runoff.
Keeping food scraps out of the trash also reduces the amount of waste sent to the Peekskill incinerator. Westchester County received an F for ozone pollution in the American Lung Association’s 2026 report. The incinerator emits nitrogen oxides, which contribute to ground-level ozone, alongside pollution from vehicles, buildings and other regional sources. Composting puts these materials to productive use rather than burning them.
Irvington’s volunteer-supported, year-round Farmers Market collection program has helped residents turn food scraps into compost for years. The new curbside service builds on that community commitment.
Curbside Collection Program Launch
Curbside Collection Program Launch
Beginning Friday, January 8, 2027, the Village of Irvington will offer an opt-in curbside “Food Scraps to Compost” collection program for single-family homes. We will also work with interested multi-family buildings and developments to arrange collection. Residents, property managers, and homeowners’ associations are encouraged to contact us to explore participation.
Separating food scraps makes regular garbage lighter and can reduce odors in the trash. Keeping scraps in securely closed containers helps prevent rats and other pests from accessing food.
The program is part of the Village’s Board of Trustees-approved Organics Management Plan, guided by three principles: Prevent, Donate and Divert. Reduce wasted food whenever possible, donate edible surplus to help feed people, and compost the remaining scraps.
Enroll in curbside collection for January here now.
Click here to find our Department of Public Works or call (914) 591-6044
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Three Steps (8.5 x 8.5 in).mp4Food Scraps Collection Tips
Food Scraps Collection Tips
Drain liquids and strain soups and sauces before placing food scraps in your bin. Cool and squeeze excess water from tea bags and coffee filters.
Use food-soiled paper towels, napkins, newspaper or a paper bag to absorb excess moisture.
Keep meat, fish, bones and other especially fragrant scraps in your refrigerator or freezer until drop-off or curbside collection. Wrapping them in newspaper can also help.
Change your countertop compost bag every three to four days. Rinse and dry the bin before adding a new bag.
Store outdoor bins in full or partial shade, especially during hot weather.
Line your cart with newspaper or an accepted paper or compostable bag to make cleanup easier.
Put your cart at the curb every Thursday evening, even if it is not full.
Keep These Items Out
Keep These Items Out
Do not include plastic bags, biodegradable bags that are not certified compostable, rubber bands, twist ties, wires, diapers, tissues or pet waste. Only food scraps and accepted paper products belong in the compost stream.
Whenever possible, choose reusable dishes and flatware. They are the most economical and environmentally friendly option. Use compostable serviceware only when disposables are truly necessary.
County Guidance on what is accepted
County Guidance on what is accepted
Food Scrap Drop Off Program
Food Scrap Drop Off Program
Since 2018, the Village of Irvington has participated in Greenburgh’s food scrap recycling program through an all-volunteer effort.
Where Can I Take My Food Scraps?
Where Can I Take My Food Scraps?
The Farmers Market at Main Street School. Please see the Irvington Farmer’s Market page for current schedule details.
Irvington Green Team volunteers will collect the food scraps in large bins which are then transported to a commercial composting facility to be converted into nutrient-rich compost.
Get Your Compost Storage Kit
Complete compost storage kits (kitchen counter caddie, roll of plant-based liner bags, and a larger locking bulk transporter) are available for $20 at the Irvington Green table during Farmers Market hours (please bring cash or check).
More Drop Off Sites
More Drop Off Sites
If you cannot bring your food scraps to the Irvington Farmers Market, here is a list of locations and hours of other drop off sites.
CompostED
CompostED
The County recently started construction on CompostED, the Department of Environmental Facility’s new Compost and Education Facility in Valhalla. CompostED will be a small scale compost demonstration facility, offering educational tours and classes on the benefits of composting and for municipalities on incorporating food scraps in municipal yard waste composting activities. The facility is slated to open in Spring 2021.
DEF and the County also recommend that residents compost at home when they are able. The County sells compost bins and rain barrels at wholesale cost. Next sale will be April 24, please contact PLM9@WestchesterGov.com for details.
Food Scraps Collection Study
Food Scraps Collection Study
As seen in the Rivertowns Dispatch, June 21, 2024
With a $25,000 grant from the Hudson River Valley Greenway in tow, seven villages have taken a step towards implementing a curbside food scrap collection program.
As of June 18, the Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Elmsford, Hastings, Irvington, Tarrytown, and Sleepy Hollow boards of trustees had passed resolutions agreeing to fund a study about collecting residents’ food scraps for composting.
The study, conducted by civil engineering firm VHB, is expected to cost $100,000, with each village chipping in equal amounts to pay the $75,000 not covered by the grant. The villages also plan to split the cost of implementing the collection program.
“We figured as small communities it would not be terribly efficient if we each went off in our own direction and did our own thing,” Irvington Village Administrator Larry Schopfer said. “It would make some sense if there’s some ability to cooperate and collaborate on this.”
Irvington is acting as the lead agency for the program by collecting the grant money and overseeing the contract with VHB. Once the study is done, the villages will look into the next steps recommended by the firm. The actual collection would likely not begin before the end of 2024, according to Schopfer.
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