Madison To Launch Food Scrap To Energy Pilot Program

MADISON, CT — Madison and Guilford announced a new food scrap collection pilot program. The program will take food scraps and turn them into energy.

Scraps will be picked up by existing trash haulers. Funding for the program comes from the state.

Connecticut is facing a mounting trash problem, especially after the Material Innovation and Recycling Authority waste-to-energy facility closed in Hartford. Household municipal waste is now typically hauled to out-of-state landfills.

The pilot program aims to divert some of that waste. About 22 percent of household waste is food scraps that could be turned into energy instead of ending up in a landfill, according to town officials.

Up to 700 households between the two towns can participate in the program. Households will get color-coded bags and the waste will be taken to a Southington facility. Those interested can apply by March 1.