What’s the link between using the sink garbage disposal for food scraps and beach closures for swimming?  Garbage disposals send the nutrient-rich food-matter to the local wastewater treatment plant for processing. When we experience excessive amounts of rain, as with Tropical Storms Henri and Ida over the summer, the Mamaroneck Waste Treatment Plant located next to Harbor Island Park, can’t fully process the liquids it receives through the nitrogen removal stage of the plant. This missed-step leads to the release of nutrient-rich effluent from the plant into the surrounding water, contributing to unwanted bacteria and algae blooms in the Long Island Sound. The result: beaches become closed to swimmers.  

To avoid contributing to the problem of beach closures, compost your vegetable scraps instead in your backyard, or join the municipal food scrap recycling program.  Be part of the solution to a more environmentally-friendly use of food scraps!