Here's how it would work: residents would collect food scraps in one bag and trash in another. Both bags are put in the same green trash bin and put on the street for pick up. The food scraps & organics would be diverted in state, turned into compost and sustainable biofuel, supporting CT’s energy grid and sharply reducing harmful greenhouse emissions.

This is one of those lovely times when sound environmental and fiscal policy perfectly align. Projections from DEEP estimate that if the town adopted this program, we could save nearly $300,000 a year on waste management! – funding that could go toward other much needed programs in our town.

Unfortunately, we also learned at the August 15 Town Council that there is a point of disagreement with our current disposal facility, which argues that food scraps are “unwanted” waste and that our town residents must dispose of them as garbage. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Our food scraps that we divert would be developed into a valuable, wanted product: the source of energy and fertilizer for CT residents. The sustainability community in Rocky Hill was pleased to have this interpretation confirmed by our state representatives and DEEP.

The great news is, we know that Middletown has the same vendor is Rocky Hill, and they are still pushing forward. Rocky Hill can too!

Sustainable Rocky Hill was proud when our Town Council showed leadership in applying for this grant to protect our budget and our environment. We sincerely hope they continue to push us forward toward a sustainable future, and embrace the opportunity provided by this grant.

We ask Rocky Hill residents who agree to sign this petition, and contact the town council to let them know how you feel.