Brookline Department of Public Works Launches Food Waste Drop-off Pilot Program

BROOKLINE — The Brookline Department of Public Works is excited to announce the launch of its Food Waste Drop-Off Pilot Program.

Beginning Friday, Sept. 27, Brookline residents will be able to drop-off food scraps at four food waste collection bins across Town.

These rodent-proof bins will be available to residents at no cost and will be accessible 24/7. All types of food scraps, including meat, bones and dairy, will be accepted. The materials will be converted into nutrient-rich compost by the Town’s preferred compost partner, Black Earth Compost.

Due to limited capacity, businesses and other institutions are not eligible to participate in this program.

Food waste drop-off bin locations were determined through a widely distributed
community survey. Per the survey results, drop-off bins will be located at the following sites:

• Brookline Teen Center, 40 Aspinwall Ave.
• John Street Parking Lot, 37 John St.
• The southwest corner of the intersection at Tappan and Beacon Streets.
• Eliot Recreation Center, 133 Eliot St.

The pilot program is a part of Brookline’s ongoing efforts to increase access to
composting and to divert waste away from incineration. Composting decreases the volume of food waste in the waste stream, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and improves soil health.

“We are excited to offer this opportunity for all residents to take action and fight climate change, and support the development of a more resilient, sustainable Brookline,” said Alexandra Vecchio, Brookline’s Director of Sustainability and Natural Resources. “Composting is an incredibly important and effective tool to advance Brookline’s goal of achieving zero emissions by 2040.”

To celebrate the launch of this program, the DPW will host a special ribbon-cutting
event on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. at the Brookline Teen Center, 40 Aspinwall Ave. The Brookline community is invited to join elected officials and Town staff to commemorate the onset of this greatly anticipated program.

Countertop containers will be distributed during the event and light refreshments will be served.

“This ribbon-cutting event marks an important step in Brookline’s journey towards
diverting waste from incineration and landfill. By composting food waste, residents can reduce the amount of trash they generate by roughly 25 percent! We are so thrilled to be able to offer this program to Brookline residents at no cost and look forward to celebrating with the community,” said Katie Weatherseed, Zero Waste Program Manager.

Food waste drop-off bins will be kept locked to minimize contamination. To receive the lock combination and participate in the program, residents will need to fill out a brief online registration form at www.brooklinema.gov/FoodWasteDropOff. The form will become available online once the program launches on Sept. 27.

Additional program information, including a detailed list of what materials will and will not be accepted, can be found here. Please contact the DPW’s Zero Waste Program at zerowaste@brooklinema.gov with any questions regarding the program.