Portage launches food scraps recycling pilot program
The program is free for Portage residents and seeks to transform food scraps into nutrient-rich soil.
The City of Portage is launching a new food scraps recycling pilot program in partnership with My Green Michigan, starting the week of January 6, 2025. The program aims to provide residents with a convenient way to recycle food scraps and divert waste from landfills. This pilot program is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Residents can participate by collecting food scraps in any lidded container, compostable bag, plastic container, countertop bin, or 5-gallon bucket at home. Ten drop-off sites across the city will feature 64-gallon lime green bins for public use. My Green Michigan will empty these bins every other Tuesday, starting January 21, 2025.
Food Scrap Recycling Program Drop-Off Sites:
- Westfield Park: 4500 West Milham Avenue
- Harbor West Park: 3458 Summersong Path
- Marlow Street Cul-de-sac (adjacent to Haverhill Elementary)
- Portage Creek Bicentennial Park: 910 East Milham Avenue
- Lakeview Park: 9345 Portage Road
- Oakland Drive Park: 7600 Oakland Drive
- Ramona Park: 8600 South Sprinkle Road
- West Lake Nature Preserve: 9001 South Westnedge Avenue
- Schrier Park: 850 West Osterhout Avenue
- Lexington Green Park: 4750 Pittsford Street
The program is free for Portage residents and seeks to transform food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Composting food waste offers several environmental benefits, including reducing pollution and landfill waste, and lowering methane emissions.
A wide range of food scraps are accepted in the program, including fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, bread and grains, dairy products, meat and bones, and chemical-free paper towels and napkins. The program follows the “if it grows, it goes” rule.
The pilot program will run for one year. The City of Portage will assess its success and determine its future based on the results.
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