Organic Waste Collection Ends: Curbside Leaf Collection Begins

by Judy Silberstein

(October 11, 2002 ) Though Mother Nature appears unready to usher out summer, the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Joint Garbage Disposal Commission has no such qualms: Friday, October 11 is the last day of their weekly organic waste collections and Tuesday, October 15 is the first day for curb collection of leaves. Gardeners who are still mowing and clipping after Friday may bring their organic waste to the Maxwell Avenue recycling depot from Monday through Saturday.

“Based on our own observation, there was very good participation,” reported Town Administrator Stephen Altieri. “Residents purchased the brown bags and by the end of June we had collected 350 tons of material. For the first year of the program, that’s terrific.” At the outset, the Town did reach out to educate residents through fliers and other publicity. At some point, the Town also issued summonses to a few people who continued to place organic material in black plastic bags or other inappropriate containers. “But now the majority of the community understands and is complying,” said Altieri.

Disposing of the organic waste costs the Town only $14 per ton, as compared to $23 for mixed garbage. The ultimate destination of the organic waste is a place that processes it into mulch and potting soil. “A lot of people like to see us recycling. Others would like to see more frequent pick-ups,” said Altieri.

Altieri will continue to collect final data to help the Town Board assess the pros and cons of the extra pick-ups. As the Town goes into budget reviews, board members will be taking a careful look at the best approach to organic waste removal.

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