Check out these composting events from the Recycling Commission

WESTFORD — Want to learn about composting?

Two composting events will be held by the Westford Recycling Commission at 39 Main St. The events will be held on July 22 and Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Members of the commission, such as Elizabeth Sawyer, said the commission hopes to help residents divert organic waste from their trash bins.

“Our push is aligned to the state’s call to action for all municipalities to decrease the volume of waste that is going to the few landfills and incinerators,” Sawyer told WestfordCAT. 

According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, food scraps make up approximately 22% of all solid waste in Massachusetts. Additionally, approximately 133 billion pounds of food are disposed of in the United States every year, according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture.

Composting, Sawyer says, could save the town tax dollars on its waste bill.

“Every ton of waste the town doesn’t send to the landfill saves $90 to $100 in tax dollars,” she said. 

She added, “we’re not trying to claim at his point its right for everyone, but we’re trying to get the word out that there are options,” she said. 

A bin can be purchased for $25 from the Westford Highway Department by calling Nicole Feliciano at 978-692-5520 or sending an email to nfeliciano@westfordma.gov.