Meriden's Co-Collection Program

  

The Co-Collection program is back!

Meriden received a grant from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Production (DEEP) to continue the trash and food scraps co-collection program with a different section of the city. Inner District residents, who have Wednesday trash pick ups, will be participating. 

The 2023 Co-Collection began August 2 and will run for 9 months.

CO-COLLECTION UPDATE (Nov. 1, 2023)

We have now completed 3 months of the Food Scrap Co-Collection Pilot Program. Thank you to everyone who is participating!

Please remember that ONLY food items can go in the green bags. Food Scraps should be placed loose in the GREEN BAG with no wrappers, containers, extra bags, etc. If you have any questions about acceptable items, please call 203-630-4018 or email publicworks@meridenct.gov.

Learn more about the program here: https://reducethetrashct.com/meriden-programdetails/

Meriden was the first community in Connecticut to participate in this Co-Collection!

During Meriden's last Co-Collection program, Sustainable Meriden students shared with NBC Connecticut viewers how they were doing their part to make sustainability the way of the future. WATCH HERE!

How does the program work?

At home, residents will separate food scraps from their trash and place in the green bags. Non-recyclable trash will go in the orange bags. Each week, residents will place full green and orange bags in the trash cart for curbside trash pick up.

Will the Meriden Co-Collection program change what containers I use for trash?

No. This program will not require you to change the containers you use for your trash bags. You can place both the orange trash bags and green food scraps bags together inside your trash cart. Please ensure the bags are tied for disposal.

What size are the bags?

The orange trash bags are 15-gallons and will fit a standard kitchen trash can. You will receive enough bags to use 2 trash bags per week for the length of the pilot program. The green food scrap bags are 8-gallons and you will be provided with enough bags to use one per week. We recommend lining a 5-gallon bucket with the green bag. 

What if I need additional bags?

Residents are encouraged to be sure to recycle all they can to stay within the allotted trash bags. Additional trash and food scrap bags will be provided upon request, please email publicworks@meridenct.gov

How do I recycle?

There are no changes to the recycling program. Please continue to place your empty bottles & cans, paper & cardboard in your recycling cart.

I still have questions. Where can I get more information?

Any questions, contact Meriden DPW at 203-630-4018 or publicworks@meridenct.gov. 

Interested in composting?

If you are ready to take the next step in food diversion and start your own compost at home, click HERE to find more information.