metroSTOR support West Hartford’s food waste goals with new, smart drop-off stations

metroSTOR is delighted to be supporting West Hartford, CT, in its efforts to expand food waste diversion by installing multiple, food waste drop-off stations across town. Starting on April 22, which fittingly, is Earth Day 2025, residents will have access to designated, enclosed organics carts for food waste disposal. The initiative follows the success of the Morley neighborhood pilot food waste diversion program, which diverted 160,000 pounds of food scraps from the waste stream!

Instead of curbside pickup, residents will utilize the metroKEY app to unlock collection bins and drop off their food waste free of charge. This approach ensures greater accessibility while addressing Connecticut’s waste crisis, which currently sees 40% of its trash transported out of state. Cost was a major factor in this decision; while town officials recognized the long-term benefits of curbside collection, budget constraints and rising waste disposal costs made the drop-off model the more feasible option. Initial projections showed that a voluntary curbside collection program would have cost approximately $424,000 in its first year, with an annual recurring cost of $440,000. In comparison, the plan for multiple drop-off stations was estimated at just $124,000 initially and $62,000 per year.

By starting with four drop-off stations, funded in part by American Rescue Plan Act funds, West Hartford can provide residents with a no-cost food waste disposal option, aside from purchasing a bucket and biodegradable bags, while keeping municipal expenses lower than traditional trash disposal. Town officials hope that increased participation will pave the way for future program expansion, potentially making curbside collection a more viable investment down the line.

John Phillips, West Hartford’s Director of Public Works, emphasized that this program is a critical first step towards broader, town-wide, food waste collection services. Following the pilot’s success, a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued in mid-2025 to explore further expansion options, including additional drop-off sites and potential curbside collection.

The town has collaborated with metroSTOR, who are delighted to provide high-quality, lockable food waste collection bins designed to encourage responsible waste disposal and recycling. The durable construction of these units ensures cleanliness, security and ease of use, helping residents actively participate in this vital sustainability effort.

West Hartford was one of 15 municipalities awarded grant funding to implement waste reduction initiatives, highlighting its leadership in sustainable waste solutions. The town remains committed to reducing landfill contributions and fostering responsible waste management practices through innovative programs like this.

We can’t wait to see where West Hartford goes next in their fight against food waste!