ERIE COUNTY

Plate to Field

This project has been funded in part by the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program,
Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

A community-led effort to expand food scrap drop-off programs across Erie County, NY

Municipalities will partner with Erie County and WeRadiate to co-create organics plans tailored to each community’s unique needs and strengths.

Establish food scrap drop-off locations in five municipalities across Erie County that can act as residential waste collection sites for residents.
Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers to support composting initiatives, increasing awareness of waste reduction benefits within the community.
Divert food waste from landfills to composting facilities, contributing measurable reductions in methane and other GHG emissions.

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Year-round food scrap collection and compost processing will turn community participation into measurable environmental impact.

Shared leadership, volunteer engagement, and inclusive decision-making, will enable residents to take an active role in building sustainable waste solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

Our Goals

Dear Residents,

Erie County and your local municipality are excited to invite you to join our new food scrap drop-off initiative. Together, we can turn everyday food waste into a valuable resource that nourishes our soil, supports local sustainability, and protects our environment. Whether you’re new to composting or already passionate about reducing waste, your participation makes a real difference.

Thank you for being part of this effort to build a cleaner, greener Erie County!

THE IMPACT YOU CAN MAKE

Soil Enrichment

Collected compost is transformed into nutrient-rich soil fertilizer that supports green spaces, reducing our dependance on chemical fertilizers.

Composting turns food scraps into rich soil food instead of harmful methane gas, helping fight climate change and reduce waste. Together, we can turn what we throw away into something that nourishes our gardens, parks, and food.

Waste Diversion

Every bucket of food scraps kept out of the trash helps divert hundreds of pounds of waste from landfills each year.

Cost Savings

Diverting food waste helps lower municipal disposal and landfill costs, allowing more community funds to support local programs and services.