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Town approves application for state composting grant to pilot food‑scrap collection
Summary
The Town of Jay voted to apply for a NYS DEC grant to fund a pilot food‑scrap recycling program that would fund a shipping‑container collection site, resident countertop bins, an education campaign and training; the board approved the application after hearing a presentation from Jennifer Perry of Compost for Good.
The Town of Jay board voted to apply for a New York State DEC grant to launch a pilot food‑scrap recycling program after a presentation from Jennifer Perry of Compost for Good and River Valley Regeneratives.
Perry outlined a staged pilot that would begin with subsidized resident countertop collection bins, a locked shipping container at the highway garage for transferred material, staff training and a community education campaign. Councilman Sauer described the draft budget, saying, "the total grant, you know, will be $23,750 if it gets awarded," and board members discussed the program’s 25% in‑kind match, site prep, and the potential to expand to a transfer station in later years. The board unanimously approved a motion to proceed with the grant application.
Supporters said the pilot could reduce town waste hauling costs and provide compost product for parks and community gardening. The proposal includes training for town staff and volunteers, a small resident fee for countertop bins to encourage responsible use, and options for either direct contracting with the presenter or following a formal RFP procurement process. The motion to apply for the DEC grant was seconded and carried on a voice vote.
If awarded, the grant would cover first‑year collection and program costs; board members asked for a follow‑up report on procurement steps, anticipated local in‑kind contributions, and any budget impacts before accepting or signing contracts.
