Food scrap composting program expands, looks to reduce landfills in Henrico, Chesterfield and Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A newly expanded composting program is set to make food scrap collection easier for residents and reduce landfills in the Richmond area.

The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) announced on Tuesday, Nov. 18, that it's partnering with Chesterfield and Henrico Counties as well as the city of Richmond to expand its food drop-off program to 22 sites across these localities.

“Central Virginia is entering its next era of recycling with the regional food scrap composting program,” said CVWMA Executive Director Kim Hynes in a statement. “We’re proud to offer our member jurisdictions a way to divert food waste from landfills and put it to beneficial use. Shockingly, food remains a huge contributor to municipal solid waste, making up about 25 percent of what's in our nation’s landfills.”

The program has added 65-gallon purple carts stationed at the drop-off sites — including at convenience centers and public-use areas — to collect residential food scraps and certified compostable materials, the release said.

(Photo: Central Virginia Waste Management Authority)

(Photo: Central Virginia Waste Management Authority)

Per the release, residents can compost more than just fruit and vegetable scraps. The purple carts will take:

• All food scraps: Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, eggshells, bread and more.
• Food-soiled paper products: Napkins, paper towels, coffee filters and tea bags.
• Certified compostable products: Utensils, plates and cups.

Residents cannot drop off plastics, pet waste or pizza boxes.

Through a contract with CVWMA, Henrico-based small business NOPE Compost Co. will service the drop-off sites either weekly or semi-weekly. The business will give back a 40-pound bag of finished compost — which can be used in municipal plantings or distributed to the public — for every ton of food waste collected, according to the release.

Chesterfield residents looking to drop off their food scraps should look for kiosks marked "Food Scrap Drop-off." CVWMA urged residents to use the compostable bags at the kiosks to transport food scraps from home.

Visit CVWMA for a list of drop-off locations.