The Go Greener Commission has been working with both the Purdue Student Sustainability Council, as well as the Purdue Office of Engagement to offer ways for community members to compost their food waste. Currently, residents are able to bring their food waste to specified drop off locations listed below. That food waste is then taken to the anaerobic digester housed at the West Lafayette Water Resource Recovery Facility, and processed to generate electricity for the facility.

Countertop food waste bins are available for pick-up at West Lafayette Streets and Sanitation located at 705 S. River Rd. during regular business hours (M-F, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).

Current Drop-Off Location

705 S River Rd
Former West Lafayette Street Department

Program Goals

1. To minimize waste diverted to landfills
2. To reduce the carbon footprint of the Greater Lafayette area by generating power from waste rather than fossil fuels
3. To promote education and awareness of the benefits to utilizing natural compost for growing plants

Why Should I Donate My Food Waste?

• Food waste is the largest form of solid waste reaching landfills and incinerators (EPA)
• Stopping food waste from reaching landfills reduces Greater Lafayette's need for fossil fuels
• Food waste is also converted into compost, a sustainable way to transport nutrients into soils on local farms and gardens

Acceptable Food Waste Items

YES                                                                      

• Bread
• Dairy
• Meat
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Processed Food

NO

• Bones
• Utensils
• Packaging
• Wrappers
• Yard Waste (twigs, plants, leaves)

How Can I Participate and Be Involved?

• Bring your food waste to the Street Department and leave it in the designated green toters
• Donate your compost to the Grow Local Community Gardens: https://growlocallafayette.org/
• Share this information with your friends and neighbors so they can participate too
• Attend the next Go Greener meeting to voice your ideas and volunteer. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6-7 at the West Lafayette City Hall, City Council Chambers. June and July are virtual meetings.

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