How you can recycle Super Bowl leftovers to help the environment

Before throwing out all those Super Bowl leftovers, there are some ways to recycle those nachos and chicken wings to help the environment.

News 12 Staff

Feb 10, 2021, 2:33 PM

Updated 1,358 days ago

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Before throwing out all those Super Bowl leftovers, there are some ways to recycle those nachos and chicken wings to help the environment.
White Plains is the latest municipality to join a county-run food scrap recycling program. Scarsdale led the way with the first program in 2017. More cities are joining an effort to help divert food waste, which makes up 22% of residential waste in Westchester County landfills.
Don LaMattina, of White Plains, was at the Gedney Recycling Yard to get rid of his leftovers.
"I think the environment is so important," says LaMattina. "It's going to make a big difference."
Residents can bring their food waste to various drop-off locations throughout the county. Officials say don't use plastic. Instead, they want people to use biodegradable bags that can be found in grocery stores or online.
Mayor Tom Roach says the food scraps are picked up by the county and taken to a composting facility in Ulster County where it's turned into nutrient-rich soil.
"Most people do recognize climate change is real, and it is accelerating," says Roach.
Public Works Commissioner Richard Hope says, "It's all about the carbon footprint, you know, and it's the right thing to do."
County officials are also encouraging residents with backyards to try composting food scraps at home.