Kim O’Rourke is encouraging residents to compost their food waste in an effort to meet the city’s goal of reducing and recycling 60 percent of its waste by 2024. The majority of the humus created from these scraps will be taken to Quantum BioPower in Southington.

The company turns the organic material into biogas, which can be used as a fuel to generate electricity, or further processed into renewable natural gas and transportation fuel.

“All municipalities are looking for additional ways to reduce their waste. This is one way we’re trying to educate the public that they can do something with their food waste other than putting it in the trash. This is a great option,” she said.

By Cassandra Day, Standford Advocate