Black Earth Compost has expanded the service area of its Curbside Food Scrap Collection Program to more Dartmouth residents.

The collection service can help reduce household waste by 30% by diverting fruit peels, bones and other food scraps from the trash.

Residents can find out if they are eligible for the service by visiting Black Earth Compost and entering their address. Those in areas not currently serviced can also pre-register to express interest in the program.

When there are enough pre-registrations in specific parts of Dartmouth, Black Earth will offer service there. A minimum number of residents must participate for the service to start.

Interested households aren't required to be SMART Program customers.

Residents who choose to participate will pay a fee for the service, which collects fruit peels, bones and other food scraps and turn them into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to grow more food instead of sending it for disposal at the Crapo Hill landfill.

Food scraps will be picked up either once a week or every other week.

The cost for weekly pickup is $20.99 per month or $114.99 for six months of service. The cost of every other week pick up is $16.99 per month or $89.99 for six months of service.

The program also follows a tiered pricing structure, which means that fee goes down as more customers register.

This program is an alternative to the free food waste drop-off program at the Dartmouth Transfer Station, as well as to composting at home with a backyard compost bin.

The Refuse District is sponsoring starter kits for the first 50 new participants who are also SMART Program customers. This includes new customers in the currently active service and new customers in areas where Black Earth is adding service.

The free starter kit includes a 13-gallon wheeled curbside cart and one roll of BPI-certified compostable bags to line the cart. This has a value of $36, and the kit will be delivered by Black Earth Compost.

The District will also make available, at no charge to SMART Program customers, a two-gallon kitchen bin and a roll of BPI-certified compostable bags to line the bin.

Dartmouth residents who aren't part of the SMART Program will pay Black Earth a one-time fee of $36 for a 13-gallon wheeled curbside cart and one roll of BPI-certified compostable bags to line the cart.

Customers will also receive a voucher for a one cubic foot bag of finished compost each spring, redeemable at participating garden centers.

Acceptable food scraps include fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds and filters, eggshells, meat and seafood, lobster shells, pasta, nut and coconut shells, and bread. Food soiled napkins and paper towels, as well as certified compostable food service ware and pet fur are also accepted. For a full list, visit https://blackearthcompost.com/whats-compostable/.

For more information, call the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District at 508-97-1493 or email Marissa@gnbrrmdistrict.org.