In Valparaiso, the Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County says it is partnering with Valpo Parks to launch a food waste composting initiative. Starting June 4, 2024, and on Tuesdays of the Valparaiso Market, participants can bring their container of food waste to the district volunteer. The Valparaiso Market located at Central Park Plaza in downtown Valpo is open from 9am-1pm. From there, the district says the weight of the waste will be measured and contents will be double checked to ensure they are compostable in this program. At the end of the event, food waste will be delivered to a Valpo Parks site where it will begin composting, a news release said, and food scraps collected will become a nutrient rich soil amendment for the Valpo Parks Horticulture Department to utilize in garden beds across the city.
“The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County’s partnership with the Valpo Parks Department represents a step forward in our mission to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility,” said Keri Marrs Barron, District Director. “By bringing composting into the mainstream, we’re not just cutting down on waste; we’re enriching our soil, supporting local agriculture, and building a more resilient food system. We’re excited to see the positive impact this program will have on our community and the environment. As communities embrace food waste composting, they not only contribute to a more sustainable planet but also foster a culture of responsibility and stewardship toward the environment.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County on this innovative food composting initiative,” said Kevin Nuppnau, Valpo Parks Director. “This collaboration demonstrates environmental stewardship and promotes a shared vision of sustainable practices that benefit our community as a whole.”
For more information about this program, including how to participate, visit www.PorterCountyRecycling.org .