Dutchess County Division of Solid Waste Management is expanding the 2024 Composting Grant Program to offer additional options for local municipalities and public school districts to establish composting programs. The program offers the choice of applying for either a 50-percent matching grant to purchase and install an in-vessel aerobic composter or start-up funding to establish food waste drop-off sites.
Dutchess County Executive Serino said, 鈥淒utchess County is proud to collaborate with our municipalities and local school districts on sensible composting programs to reduce food waste and keep our environment healthy for our children and their children. With additional options in the expanded program, municipalities and school districts can choose the option that best fits their community鈥檚 needs. We look forward to many communities taking advantage of this great program!鈥�
The first option is the purchase and installation of an in-vessel aerobic composter, which provides a controlled decomposition process to turn the organic materials into beneficial compost. The County will match 50 percent of purchase and installation, with funds up to $50,000 per project. The second option is the establishment of a food waste drop-off site. Municipalities and school districts can apply for funds, up to $20,000 per award, to initiate and establish food waste drop-off stations, where organic material is collected and hauled off-site to be composted. The updated 2024 Composting Grant application instructions and guidance are now available; applications must be received by 3 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2024.