Scarborough to switch trash and recycling provider July 1
Scarborough Expands Composting Program with New “Garbage to Garden” Service
Scarborough residents will soon see a major change in the way they dispose of household trash and recycling. The town’s municipal waste department announced that it is switching its existing service to the “Garbage to Garden” program, a partnership that will add curb‑side composting for eligible households. The transition is expected to take effect later this year, with residents required to sign up for the new compost service.
Under the new arrangement, the town will continue to provide the standard curb‑side trash and recycling pickups that residents currently receive. However, a portion of the garbage collection will now be redirected to a composting operation managed by a local waste‑management partner. The program’s goal is to reduce the volume of organic material that ends up in landfills by turning it into nutrient‑rich compost that can be used for community gardens, school projects, and private back‑yards.
Residents who wish to participate in the curb‑side composting service must register online or at the town’s service center. Once signed up, a separate compost bin will be delivered to the household’s curb. The bin is designed to handle food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials. The town will collect the compost on a separate schedule, typically every other week, to keep the yard clean and the compost process efficient.
Town officials say the change is part of a broader sustainability initiative aimed at cutting waste, lowering landfill costs, and supporting local food production. While the exact cost for the new service was not disclosed, preliminary estimates suggest that the town will pass on a modest fee to cover the additional pickup and composting logistics. The town’s waste‑management team has assured residents that the program will not increase their current garbage fees but will add a small surcharge for the composting service.
The “Garbage to Garden” program is built on Maine’s growing interest in circular waste systems. By diverting organic waste from landfills, the town hopes to decrease methane emissions and produce a valuable resource for local farmers and community gardens. The compost produced will be distributed to participating community garden sites around the county, providing a ready supply of nutrient‑rich soil for residents and schools.
To learn more or to sign up for the new compost service, residents can visit the Scarborough town website or call the municipal services hotline. The town’s waste‑management office will also host informational sessions at the community center in September to walk residents through the registration process and answer any questions.
For those who do not sign up for the curb‑side composting option, the existing trash and recycling service will remain unchanged. The town will continue to collect recyclable items on a standard schedule and will provide a separate recycling bin for each household.
Scarborough’s move to a “Garbage to Garden” system reflects a broader trend in New England municipalities looking to make waste disposal more environmentally friendly. As the program rolls out, residents will have the opportunity to play a direct role in reducing landfill use and supporting local sustainability goals.
