Quite a bit of food scraps get placed in the trash during the holidays.

This new voluntary program will divert organic materials, that are not waste, out of our landfill and will reduce harmful greenhouse gases emitted from organic decomposition in landfills, which contributes to climate change. Learn how you can divert your holiday food scraps by registering today at www.collegeparkmd.gov/CurbsideCollectionApp

• No fee for collection, but residents must use a city-supplied cost-share container. Choose from a 12-gallon wheeled cart with a locking lid ($13), or a 5-gallon bucket with a gamma seal lid ($9). Participants currently using the drop-off program can continue to use their city-supplied 5-gallon bucket. An optional small kitchen countertop pail ($5) is available to store food scraps inside the home.
• No personal containers can be used for weekly curbside collections.
• Food scraps must be placed in compostable bags (no plastic bags) before placing in the collection container.
• Purchase and pick up your container at Public Works, 9217 51st Avenue, College Park, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Getting started is easy!

1. Source separate food scraps and food-soiled paper products from your regular household waste. Place food scraps in a tight-fitting container (coffee can, kitchen pail, or whatever works for you.)

2. When the container is full, empty the contents into the larger collection container (lined with a compostable bag). Only city-issued 5-gallon buckets or 12-gallon carts can be used.

3. On your collection day, place the cart or bucket at the curb by 7:00 a.m. Please ensure your collection container is visible and accessible from the street.

For more information, call 240-487-3590 or visit collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps.