Tossing food scraps instead of trash is about to get a lot easier for Greenwich residents.

Starting July 9, the town will open two new app-enabled compost bins at Binney Park and Cos Cob Park, giving residents in Old Greenwich and Cos Cob around-the-clock access to food scrap recycling.

The additions expand Greenwich's Scraps to Soil program, which has diverted more than 780,000 pounds of food waste from the trash since launching in 2020.

"Greenwich is proud to make food scrap recycling more accessible for residents," First Selectman Fred Camillo said in a news release. "Expanding the Scraps to Soil program with new smart bins underscores our Town's commitment to sustainability."

How does it work?

Residents who register for the free program can unlock the enclosed stainless-steel bins through a smartphone app. Once opened, a foot pedal provides hands-free access.

The sealed design helps keep out pests and reduces contamination.

The new bins were funded through a competitive grant from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Greenwich was one of nine municipalities selected for funding.

Cutting waste — and emissions

According to the town's Conservation Commission, food scraps make up more than 22% of Greenwich's residential waste stream, making them the largest single source of household trash.

Since the program began five years ago, officials estimate composting efforts have prevented about 1,420 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions — roughly the equivalent of driving a gas-powered car 3.6 million miles.

The Scraps to Soil program is a partnership between the town and Waste Free Greenwich.

Registration is free, and residents can sign up or learn more at WasteFreeGreenwich.org/compost.