Food Scrap Collection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2024

(Bristol, CT) – The City of Bristol is inviting residents to participate in a free food scrap recycling pilot program to begin July 1, 2024

Our food scrap recycling pilot program is brought to you by the Bristol Department of Public Works, sponsored by Reworld (formally Covanta) and collected by Blue Earth Compost, based in Hartford. Food scrap collection bins will be placed at the City Yard, located at 95 Vincent P Kelley Road. The program is free to all Bristol residents.

Blue Earth will collect the food scraps and haul them to Quantum Biopower, a state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection-approved anaerobic digester in Southington.

In 21 days, Quantum can convert the food scraps into compost, and converts the methane byproduct inside the facility into bio-gas that generates electricity.

Bristol pays to have municipal solid waste incinerated at the Reworld (previously known as Covanta) facility. Data from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) states that about 22% of the waste stream is food. 

The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of tonnage incinerated by removing food from the trash. Other surrounding towns, such as West Hartford are participating in similar food scrap recycling programs.

“Food scraps can be converted into compost, which improves soil quality, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, helps to retain water in the soil, and reduces soil erosion,” stated Raymond Rogozinski, Director of Public Works. “Many food items cannot not be placed in a backyard compost. All food scraps can be composted through the anaerobic digester.”

“If it Grows, it Goes” is the Blue Earth motto. Acceptable items include fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry and bones, fish/shellfish and shells, dairy products, bread, pasta, rice, grains, eggs, eggshells, chips and snacks, nuts and seeds, left over and spoiled food, coffee grounds, tea bags (no staples), paper towels and napkins used for food production (not for cleaning), cut flowers and pet food (no pet waste). See graphic attached.

Two-gallon kitchen compost bins with compostable bags are available at the City of Bristol Public Works Office located at City Hall on the 2^nd floor. You may also use your own container or bags.