Food Waste

Organic waste–and specifically food waste–has shown to be a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally. Based on statistics from a 2017 report by the National Resources Defense Council, we can roughly estimate that Portland and South Portland dispose of over 8,000 tons of food per year, approximately 5,600 tons of which is edible.

Diverting food waste can take many forms–many of which not only reduce emissions, but also help to better feed our communities, create sustainable energy, fertilize our soils, and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Maine has formally adopted the Food Recovery Hierarchy, which prioritizes actions to reduce food waste based on their community benefits. The hierarchy starts with reducing the volume of surplus food, followed by directing excess food to food-insecure people, feeding animals, composting food waste or converting it to fuel, and finally disposing of food waste as a last resort.

City of Portland Food Waste Program

The City of Portland has partnered with Garbage to Garden as their official composting partner for residential curbside composting, as well as commercial services for the City schools, drop-off sites, and municipal buildings.   Learn more about Portland’s Community Composting Program. 

City of South Portland Food Waste Program

The City of South Portland will provide free 1-gallon countertop container to residents who wish to recycle their food scraps. To make it easy, you can line these bins with clear, clear-ish, or white plastic bags to contain your food scraps. To receive a bin, stop by the Municipal Services Facility at 929 Highland Ave (Mon-Fri 7:30 AM – 3 PM). Contact Public Works with questions at 767-7635. Learn more about the South Portland Food Waste Recycling Program.