A new Arlington program seeks to make it easier for people who live in apartments to compost their food scraps. New food disposal bins have appeared near 14 multifamily properties across the county, inviting apartment dwellers to divert food waste and food-soiled paper away from the landfill and into the county鈥檚 composting program.
To use the bins, residents must download the Bigbelly Smart Compost app to view available locations, then scan a QR code to unlock the bins and dispose of waste 鈥淲ith the new bins, we will divert food waste from incineration and landfills and turn it into nutrient-rich compost,鈥� a YouTube video聽released last week says.
The bins 鈥� funded through a Virginia Litter Prevention and Recycling Grant 鈥� have collected over 1,000 pounds of food waste since installation began on July 9, county spokesperson Katie O鈥橞rien told ARLnow. The county is currently working with property owners near the bins to raise awareness, with plans to host pop-up events throughout the summer to educate residents and answer questions.