Residents Can Register To Receive Free Compost Made From Local Food Scraps
The Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) will host four free compost giveaway events this fall, allowing County residents to receive nutrient-rich compost produced locally through the County’s CompostED Program. Registration is required for all events, and preference will be given to residents who did not receive compost during the spring giveaway events.
The compost is produced at DEF’s CompostED site, a compost education and demonstration facility that processes up to two tons of food scraps each week while serving as an educational resource for composting throughout Westchester County. The giveaway events support the County’s efforts to promote food scrap recycling, reduce waste and provide residents with high-quality compost for gardens and landscaping. They also offer an opportunity for CompostED staff to connect with residents and encourage participation in the County’s Residential Food Scrap Transportation and Disposal (RFSTAD) Program.
Residents will also have the opportunity to purchase compost bins, rain barrels and related accessories at reduced prices during the Sept. 30 event. Backyard composting helps reduce household waste while creating nutrient-rich compost for gardens. Rain barrels help conserve water, reduce storm water runoff and provide a natural water source for plants and landscaping.
Upcoming Event Schedule:
· Wednesday, Sept. 16 – Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson | 4 to 7 p.m.
· Tuesday, Sept. 22 – Sprout Brook DEF Facility, Cortlandt | 4 to 7 p.m.
· Wednesday, Sept. 30 – Household Material Recovery Facility, Valhalla | 4 to 7 p.m.
· Saturday, Oct. 3 – Harrison Train Station, Harrison | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents interested in purchasing compost bins or rain barrels must place their orders in advance and pick them up on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Household Material Recovery Facility, 15 Woods Road, Valhalla.
Important Information:
· Due to limited quantities, registration is required for all events.
· Residents must register online for a specific time slot to receive compost.
· Registration can be completed at: https://environment.WestchesterCountyNY.gov/residential-compost-distribution-events
· Each registered resident will receive two one-cubic-foot bags of compost.
· DEF staff will be on-site to verify registration and load pre-bagged compost into vehicles.
CompostED tours are available for Westchester County residents. To schedule a tour or learn more about CompostED, residents can contact DEF at CompostEd@WestchesterCountyNY.gov, visit our website environment.WestchesterCountyNY.gov, or call the Recycling HelpLine at (914)813-5425.
This project is partially funded under USDA CFWR agreement #2025-70510-44353.