Orange County Executive Neuhaus Announces Return of Food Scraps Drop-Off Program at Farmers Markets

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has announced the return of the County's successful Food Scraps Drop-Off Program at farmers markets for the 2025 season. This initiative, led by the Department of Public Works (DPW) Division of Environmental Facilities & Services (EF&S), aims to help residents reduce landfill waste and support local composting efforts.

"Orange County is committed to a cleaner, greener future," said Neuhaus. "By offering food scrap drop-offs, we're making it easier than ever for residents to contribute to environmental sustainability. Composting reduces waste and helps create healthy soil. This program gives our community a direct and easy way to make a positive impact."

The drop-off program, depending on the market location, runs throughout the farmers market season. Residents can bring eligible food scraps to any of the following markets participating during designated hours:

Tuesdays (Starting June 17)

• Healthy Orange Farmers Market:
  Broadway Green Lot, Newburgh, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Wednesdays (In progress)

• Cornwall Farmers Market:
  183 Main Street, Cornwall, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Woodbury Public Library - Central Valley:
  23 Smith Clove Road, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Fridays - 1st Friday of Every Month

• Goshen Farmers Market:
  255 Main Street, Goshen, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saturdays

• Lakeside Farmers Market:
  Winstanley Park, Greenwood Lake, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Newburgh Farmers Market:
  Safe Harbors Green, Newburgh, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Starting June 21)
• Port Jervis Farmers Market (New In 2025):
  Hammond St. and Pike St., 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Starting June 28^th)

Sundays

• Warwick Valley Farmers Market:
  21 South Street, Warwick, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Compostable Items:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Non-greasy food scraps
• Pasta, bread, rice, grains
• Cereal
• Coffee grinds and filters
• Eggshells
• Nutshells
• Tea bags (paper only)
• Food-soiled paper
• Disease-free houseplants

Non-compostable Items:

• Meat
• Dairy products
• Animal waste
• Charcoal
• Stickers
• Grease and liquids
• Shredded paper
• Plastic bags, twist ties, rubber bands

"We're empowering our residents to take meaningful steps toward reducing their environmental footprint," said Ermin Siljkovic, Orange County Recycling Coordinator. "Organic waste makes up a large portion of what ends up in landfills. By composting these food scraps instead, we're turning waste into a resource that nourishes our environment."

This program is made possible with the support of the Orange County Department of Health, participating farmers markets, and community partners including Grow Local Greenwood Lake, Sustainable Warwick, and others.

Help make Orange County a greener, more sustainable community by visiting:
https://www.orangecountygov.com/1485/Composting-Food-Scraps-Yard-Waste

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus' NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.