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Kensington council hears presentation on curbside food-waste program bound for Maryland BioEnergy Center
Summary
Town officials heard a Jan. 8 presentation from Maryland BioEnergy Center representatives on a curbside food-waste collection program that will send organics to the Jessup anaerobic digestion facility; presenters explained acceptable items, a 4% contamination limit required by law, and reporting options for tonnage and carbon reduction.
On Jan. 8, 2025, the Town of Kensington’s Mayor and Council heard an overview of the town’s curbside food-waste collection program from Andrew Cassilly and Vinnie Bevivino of the Maryland BioEnergy Center.
Town Manager Hoffman told the Council the program was approved at the December 2024 meeting with Ecology Services and that collected material will be taken to the Maryland BioEnergy Center in Jessup for anaerobic digestion and conversion to methane for renewable energy. Andrew Cassilly and Vinnie Bevivino described the facility’s process and answered Council questions.
Cassilly and Bevivino said acceptable items include produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, grease, coffee grounds, cooked foods, spoiled foods and food that remains inside packaging. They listed items that are not accepted for composting: yard waste, wreaths, Christmas trees, paper or cardboard, food packaging without food, pet waste, diapers, glass, large plastic bags, rope, soil and other non-biodegradable materials. They said the soiled portion of a pizza box would not be accepted with food waste.
The presenters said oil may be placed in with food waste or stored in a separate gallon container if there is a large quantity. They added that the facility is not able to provide finished organic soil back to residents at this time and that the facility is required by law to have no more than 4% contamination in incoming loads. Cassilly and Bevivino also said a tonnage report showing the volume of food waste processed and a carbon-reduction score can be provided to the hauler.
Council members asked clarifying questions about acceptable materials and program reporting; the presenters provided the operational limits and reporting options described above. The Council did not take further formal action on the program at the Jan. 8 meeting; the program implementation follows the December 2024 approval with Ecology Services.
