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Kensington approves townwide food-waste collection contract and orders 650 bins
Summary
Council adopted Resolutions R-24-2024 and R-25-2024 to authorize a townwide food-waste collection contract beginning March 1, 2025 (initial 10 months plus options) with Ecology Services and to purchase 650, 13-gallon bins (amended not to exceed $25,000). An overview from the Maryland BioEnergy Center is planned for Jan. 8.
The Kensington Mayor and Council on Dec. 18 voted unanimously to authorize a contract with Ecology Services Refuse & Recycling, LLC to provide weekly residential curbside food-waste collection beginning March 1, 2025, initially for 10 months with three additional one-year options (Resolution No. R-24-2024). The council also approved a related purchase (Resolution No. R-25-2024) for 650, 13-gallon food-waste bins from WASTEQUIP (Toter), amending the purchase to not exceed $25,000 to allow ordering additional toters as reserves.
Town Manager Hoffman said the program follows a Sustainable Kensington recommendation and that each resident will receive a 13-gallon bin delivered by the town’s Public Works crew; details such as pickup day and whether liners will be provided are yet to be determined. Council discussed outreach strategies including videos, mailings and neighbor-to-neighbor communication to encourage participation. Andrew Cassilly of the Maryland BioEnergy Center is scheduled to provide an overview and answer questions at the Jan. 8 meeting.
Residents asked if compost would be returned to participants and whether participation would be voluntary; Council Member Engle and the Town Manager explained the collected food waste will go to the Maryland BioEnergy Center in Jessup for processing into renewable natural gas, not for direct compost return. The council passed the resolutions unanimously.
