South Portland, Maine, Expands Curbside Food Waste Collection to All Residents

After completing a successful, year-long pilot program, the city of South Portland, Maine, has decided to expand its curbside food waste collection services to all residents. South Portland is the first city within the state to offer such a service to everyone.

Starting in July, the city will provide 12-gallon, wheeled bins to residents who opt to participate in the food waste collection program. For the expansion, 2,000 bins have been ordered and more will be ordered once the staff accesses how many more bins will be needed after the initial expansion rollout.

The services will cost $9 a month, and residents will also have the option to drop off their materials free of charge at four sites throughout the city.

Portland Press Herald has more:

After receiving positive feedback from a year-long pilot project, the city is rolling out a food waste collection program for all residents.

South Portland hopes to recycle 40 percent of its waste by the year 2020, said Julie Rosenbach, director of sustainability, and this program is intended to further the city’s goal.

The city’s opt-in program makes South Portland the first in the state to offer curbside pick-up and collection bins for food waste, she said.

Read the full story here.