Compost Drop-Off

Our Compost Drop-Off Program welcomes community members to drop off kitchen scraps and organic materials at our Farm Market.

Drop-off Site:

McEnroe Farm Market
5409 Route 22, Millerton, NY 12546

Why Compost?

Composting organic materials is equally as important as recycling glass, plastic, metal, and paper. In the U.S., organic materials such as food scraps and food waste make up the largest portion of landfill waste. According to the EPA*, in New York State, about 56% of household waste can be composted and diverted from landfills. Food waste left rotting in landfills creates methane, a greenhouse gas that is more dangerous to the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. What’s more, throwing away food wastes the energy, water, and packaging used in its production.

With your participation, we can:

  • Divert organic waste from landfills
  • Convert organic waste into nutritious compost and soil
  • Grow more food
  • Reduce the release of harmful methane gas
  • Protect the Earth

What Happens to the Organic Materials After I Drop Them Off?

  1. At the end of each collection day, contents of the compost bins are collected and dumped at McEnroe’s Composting area.
  2. Bins are washed to reduce odors and prepared for the next use.
  3. Food scraps are transformed into high-quality compost. Compost gets blended into soil. McEnroe’s dedicates the majority of the compost we produce to our greenhouses, cold frames, and fields to promote healthy soil and vigorous plant growth. We run the compost operation under a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 360 permit.

What is Considered an Organic Material?

Organic materials derive from plants and animals, which are carbon-based. Common organic materials include yard trimmings, food scraps, soiled paper, and animal manure. Compost is created by the managed decomposition of organic material.

Can Business Drop Off Materials to Compost?

Commercial businesses should contact the main office to discuss options: 518-789-3252, soils@mcenroefarm.com,
194 Coleman Station Road, Millerton, NY 12546

*Based on a study performed by the EPA, Materials and Waste Management in NYS, 2008

What Do I Compost?

FOOD

  • Fruit, vegetables and beans
  • Meat and poultry*
  • Seafood and shellfish*
  • Bones*
  • Bread and bakery foods
  • Grains, pasta, and rice
  • Cheese
  • Fats, oils, and salad dressing*

NON-EDIBLE ORGANIC & PLANTS

  • Flowers
  • Floral trimmings
  • Leaves
  • Plants
  • Potting soil
  • Tea bags
  • Coffee grinds
  • Eggshells

SOILED PAPER PRODUCTS

  • Used napkins
  • Soiled tissues
  • Used paper towels
  • Used paper plates
  • Wooden stirrer sticks

NO PLASTICS

REMOVE PRODUCE STICKERS

Stickers placed on fruit and vegetables by markets gum up and clog compost processing machines and equipment.

Download What Do I Compost?

Download our Compost Brochure