Ontario County residents can help shape plans for handling food waste at a public workshop at 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at Finger Lakes Community College’s Stage 14.
The county’s Department of Sustainability and Solid Waste Management is developing an Organics Management Plan to give the Board of Supervisors data for future discussions and policies on diverting and managing organic waste, according to a county news release.
Residents attending the workshop can learn about the planning process, ask questions and offer feedback on the draft plan.
The county has hired MSW Consultants to evaluate how much food waste is generated and what opportunities already exist to divert organic material from disposal. The firm will also examine gaps in processing and hauling infrastructure, technologies for future organics processing and potential opportunities for collaboration.
Stakeholder groups have participated in surveys, virtual meetings and workshops as the draft is developed.
Department Director Carla Jordan said the public workshop will help residents understand how organic waste is currently handled in the county and give them an opportunity to suggest ways to keep food waste out of the waste stream. Residents’ participation will also help the department understand household practices and barriers that could prevent people from taking part in programs, she said.
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The project is funded in part by the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program under Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
For more information, the county lists ontariocountyrecycles.org and 585-393-3090.
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