The town of Kennebunk announced in a Sept. 26 news release that it received a grant from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to offer 100 free “lobster trap” compost bins to interested residents. The compost bins, made of material typically used for lobster traps, are intended to be used for backyard composting as part of the town’s ongoing commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Kennebunk residents interested in starting or improving their backyard composting efforts can sign up to receive a free composting bin by calling the Public Services Department at 207-985-4811. The mesh composting bins are made from materials associated with lobster traps and designed for easy use and maintenance. Contributed / Town of Kennebunk

According to the news release, the initiative is a key part of Kennebunk’s efforts to reduce the amount of food waste entering the waste stream and cut down on tipping fees associated with curbside collection. By encouraging residents to compost at home, the town aims to divert food waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support the production of high-quality compost for use in local gardens.

Kennebunk residents who are interested in starting or improving their backyard composting efforts can sign up to receive a free composting bin by calling the Public Services Department at 207-985-4811. The mesh composting bins are designed for easy use and maintenance.

A handout with guidance on how to properly balance food and yard waste to create rich compost is available on the town’s website at www.kennebunkmaine.us/compostbins.

One hundred composting bins will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will also have the opportunity to contribute to the program by monitoring their waste reduction and compost output, helping the town track the effectiveness of the initiative. Interested residents are encouraged to sign up immediately to secure a bin, as supplies are limited.

To reserve a bin, call 207-985-4811.

The compost program, according to the news release, helps homeowners reduce household waste and contributes to Kennebunk’s larger Climate Action Plan, that seeks to reduce emissions and increase community resilience. By turning organic waste into compost, residents can help decrease methane emissions from landfills, reduce the town’s overall waste, and create nutrient-rich soil for gardens.

For more information about the Backyard Composting Program, visit www.kennebunkmaine.us/compostbins.