The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched its Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs program at three farmers markets throughout the County. Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs provide residents with the opportunity to recycle their food scraps through composting. 

The following food scraps can be recycled at a drop-off location:

• Bread and grains
• Coffee grounds and tea leaves (remove filters) 
• Cooked food  
• Dairy (cheese and yogurt)  
• Eggshells  
• Fruit and vegetable scraps (including pumpkins)  
• Meat, fish and bones 

"Recycling food scraps is a simple step we can all take to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “By offering food scraps recycling drop-offs at our farmers markets, we’re making it easier for residents to compost and support our zero-waste goals. These efforts are about changing habits and making sure more of what we get rid of gets put to good use. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this program.” 

Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs operate during the same times as the farmers markets. Food scraps can be dropped off year-round at these three farmers markets: 

• Bethesda Central Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sundays.  7600 Arlington Road, Bethesda. 
• Downtown Silver Spring Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring. 
• Olney Farmers and Artists Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Maryland Route 108 and Prince Phillip Drive, Olney. 

Note: Visit the website for farmers markets updates and changes.