Woodbury starts its Trash Reduction Pilot Program on Feb. 7. The town is asking residents to separate food scraps from regular garbage so that less waste goes to incinerators or landfills. Garbage disposal costs are increasing for municipalities in Connecticut and the intent of the program is save taxpayer money. The program is free to residents and a $159,100 grant from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is paying for the costs.

Town officials have started alerting residents to the program, which entails putting food scraps in green bags and regular garbage into orange ones that are separated after collection. The bags with food scraps will be sent to Quantum Biopower in Southington, where the organic waste is transformed into renewable energy.

NVCOG is supporting its member communities that are participating in the Trash Reduction Pilot Programs and is helping to make residents aware of what is happening. Staff will host several information programs planned for residents in Woodbury. Those events are as follows:

  • Thursday, Jan. 19 from 6-7 p.m. Community Champion Kickoff Dinner at the Woodbury Public Library. Learn more about the program and how you can spread the word, help plan events, and give feedback. Pizza will be served.
  • Thursday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. Presentation at the Woodbury Senior Center with Q&A.
  • Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6-7 p.m. CT Recycling Workshop at the Woodbury Community Center. Recycling is just as important as food scrap collection. Bring your recycling questions to this fun workshop led by the State Recycling Coordinator.
  • Week of Feb. 6. Around Town. The pilot program launches on Feb. 7. Keep an eye out for our tables around the community, where you can ask questions!
  • Saturday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kickoff Fair at the Woodbury Public Library. Join us in celebrating Woodbury’s new program, plus we’ll be giving away tabletop compost buckets, yummy treats, environmental tips, and more.

A total of three NVCOG members have committed to running Trash Reduction Pilot Programs. Ansonia started its program in December, and Seymour is expected to start one this winter as well.