Kent unveils two new 'smart bins' to boost composting efforts

Kent unveils two new 'smart bins' to boost composting efforts

Rick Osborne, manager of the Kent Transfer Station, deposits the first bag of food scraps into a new organics “smart bin.” HRRA Executive Director Jennifer Heaton-Jones stands at right, with Transfer Station staff member Rob Hayes at left.

By Ruth Epstein

KENT — Residents now have access to around-the-clock food-scrap composting thanks to two newly installed organics “smart bins,” unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday morning, Dec. 1.

Rick Osborne, manager of the Kent Transfer Station, placed the first bag of food scraps into the smart bin located at 3 Railroad St. A second bin has been installed outside the Transfer Station gate, allowing 24/7 public access even when the facility is closed.

The initiative is part of a regional effort to expand composting opportunities and reduce the amount of waste sent to state trash facilities. Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority Executive Director Jennifer Heaton-Jones, who attended the ceremony, said the bins demonstrate what small towns can achieve in addressing Connecticut’s broader waste challenges.

“This is proof that even our smallest towns can make a big difference in tackling the waste crisis in our state,” Heaton-Jones said.

Also present at the event was Transfer Station staff member Rob Hayes.

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