WHITE PLAINS, NY (April 1, 2025) — Westchester County will roll out four free compost giveaway events in April to mark Earth Month, offering residents a chance to score eco-friendly compost through the CompostED program. The initiative, led by the Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF), requires advance registration to secure a spot.
The CompostED site in White Plains, a small-scale compost education and demonstration facility, handles up to two tons of food scraps weekly. It stands as a cornerstone for composting education in the county. DEF is hosting these events to boost local composting efforts and share resources with the community.
The giveaway schedule includes Saturday, April 5, at Willson’s Woods Park in Mt. Vernon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, April 6, at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, April 9, at the Household Materials Recycling Facility in Valhalla from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 27, at the Valhalla facility from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Registration is mandatory due to limited supplies, and residents must sign up online for a designated time slot. Each participant will receive two 1-cubic-foot bags of compost, with DEF staff available to check registrations and load the pre-bagged compost into vehicles.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins highlighted the program’s value, saying, “Composting is an important way we can all reduce waste and care for our environment. Through our CompostED program, residents can learn the benefits of food scrap recycling whether through our Residential Food Scrap Transportation and Disposal Program (RFSTAD), or at home. We are pleased to offer residents access to high-quality compost made right here in Westchester at this event. I encourage everyone to register for one of our giveaway events and take part in this meaningful Earth Month initiative.”
With spring in full swing, CompostED tours are resuming. Residents can schedule a tour or get more details by emailing CompostEd@WestchesterCountyNY.gov, visiting environment.westchestergov.com, or calling the Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425.
