Starting this weekend, Montgomery County residents can drop off decomposing jack-o-lanterns and other food scraps in bins at three local farmers markets thanks to a new composting program offered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs Program is available at the following markets:
- Bethesda Central Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays at 7600 Arlington Road;
- Downtown Silver Spring Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at 1 Veterans Plaza; and
- Olney Farmers and Artists Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays at Maryland Route 108 and Prince Phillip Drive.
The program aims to increase the county’s progress in reaching its zero-waste goal by cutting down on the amount of food waste in household trash, DEP Director Jon Monger said in a press release.
“That progress starts with each of us in our own homes and kitchens – when you make your next meal or snack – by keeping your food scraps out of the trash,” Monger said.
Single-family and multi-family residences in the county account for the disposal of an estimated 61,000 tons of food annually, according to the department’s most recent waste composition study in 2023.
The free program aims to make it easier for residents to compost, according to county officials. In May, the department tested the program with a soft launch at local farmers markets starting before the official fall launch.
“Recycling food scraps is a simple step we can all take to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in the release. “… These efforts are about changing habits and making sure more of what we get rid of gets put to good use. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this program.”
Here’s a list of types of food that can be composted at the drop-off locations:
- Bread and grains;
- Coffee grounds and tea leaves (remove filters);
- Cooked food;
- Dairy products;
- Eggshells;
- Fruit and vegetable scraps (including pumpkins); and
- Meat, fish and bones.
Find other food composting services and locations, such as those in Rockville, Gaithersburg and Germantown, at this link.
MOMs Organic Market also accepts food waste for composting. Residents can drop off food waste at the Compost Crew headquarters, at 12343 Carroll Ave., in Rockville, according to the Compost Crew website. The Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market, at 7155 Wisconsin Ave, also accepts food scraps.
Next April, the Derwood Farmers Market will join the county’s food scraps recycling program, according to the DEP. The Derwood market is located at 16501 Redland Road.
