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Montgomery County, Maryland MC311
Department of Environmental Protection
 

County Executive Marc Elrich and the County’s Department of Environmental Protection Highlight ‘Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs’ Program and Climate Smart Campaign to Recognize Food Waste Prevention Week

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 16, 2025


Montgomery County Marc Elrich joined Climate Change Officer Sarah Kogel-Smucker and the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at the Bethesda Farmers Market to recognize Food Waste Prevention Week. The event showcased the County's initiatives to reduce food waste and promote the Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off program. It also highlighted the County's new Climate Smart campaign, which aims to inspire actions that contribute to a sustainable future. The Bethesda Farmers Market is located at 7600 Arlington Road in Bethesda.

At the event, residents learned how easy it is to recycle food scraps, divert waste from the waste stream and support food recycling efforts. The County’s Climate Smart campaign, launched earlier this year, was also featured. The campaign provides residents with small, actionable steps that can make a big impact on reducing their carbon footprint.

“Reducing wasted food and recycling food scraps are among the climate-smart actions we can all take to reduce waste,” said County Executive Elrich. “By recycling food scraps and taking other simple actions through the Climate Smart campaign, residents can play a vital role in helping us achieve our climate goals while reinforcing the County’s commitment to diverting food scraps from the waste stream, an important part of our ‘Aiming for Zero Waste’ initiative.”

The Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off program is available at four farmers markets located around the County.  Residents can drop off food scraps such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, dairy products, and meat and fish bones for recycling. For more information about the County’s plan to increase food scraps recycling and maximize convenient access for residents, see the Strategic Plan to Advance Composting, Compost Use and Food Scraps Diversion on the DEP website.

Food Scraps Recycling

“The Climate Smart campaign encourages residents to take a pledge to adopt climate-friendly behaviors in five key areas: food, emergency preparedness, transportation, energy and plants,” said Climate Change Officer Sarah Kogel-Smucker. “Small actions, like planning meals to reduce food waste or choosing sustainable transportation options, can lead to big changes that benefit both the environment and our community.”

Food scraps recycling is one of the actions people can take as part of the pledge to Be Climate Smart. The campaign slogan, "BIG CHANGE starts small," reminds everyone that every choice – from composting food scraps to taking public transportation – can lead to significant environmental benefits. The event will feature resources and information on how food scraps recycling contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving overall environmental health, and residents can sign the Climate Smart pledge.

 Climate Smart

“By offering food scraps recycling at local farmers markets, we are making it easier for people to reduce waste and be part of our work toward a greener, more sustainable future,” said DEP Director Jon Monger. “This Earth Month and all year long, let’s work together to reduce waste, recycle food scraps, and make small changes that lead to big environmental impacts.”

Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs are open during farmers market operating hours. Food scraps can be dropped at the following markets: 

Visit the Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs website and the Climate Smart campaign website for more information.

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 Media Contact: Cindy Peña, 202-875-1563

Release ID: 25-166
Media Contact: Cindy Peña 202-875-1563