NEWRY — Newry selectmen heard Tuesday from Dean Richmond of Mason Township about updates on his food waste program. Richmond had attended a selectmen meeting last year when he first presented his program to the board.

Richmond, who lives and works at Pleasant River Farms, started composting as an easy way to dispose of agricultural waste.

A few years ago, Richmond said he was asked by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection if he would include food waste at his composting operation.

Richmond thought it was a good idea and agreed.

He began his food waste operation by contacting Newry businesses, such as the Summit and Jordan Hotels and South Ridge Lodge.

“We’ve been able to haul over 100 tons of food waste over the last year and a half,” Richmond said.

While the majority of the waste has came from businesses in Newrys Sunday River area, Richmond said more restaurants in Bethel have started signing onto his operation. The Bethel Inn, Brian’s Bistro, Crossroads Diner, Gould Academy and Steam Mill Brewery are all businesses that have joined.

Richmond said he recently received a grant that will help fund more equipment and ultimately make the hauling and processing of food waste more efficient.

“Getting things done quickly and being able to dump it and then also provide your customers with a good clean container at the end is critical for their own investment,” Richmond said.

One of Richmond’s key purchases last summer was getting a lift gate, which has helped Richmond move heavier containers of waste and has made it possible to go to more businesses.

On Tuesday, Richmond explained the benefits of his program to Newry selectmen.

He said landfills are the third-leading contributor to greenhouse gases, so returning organic matter to local soil is much better for the environment.

Richmond also said his service is simple for others to adopt because many materials, including cheese, meat, vegetables, oils, fruits and bread, can be composted.

Lastly Richmond talked about the cost-friendliness aspect of his program. Tipping fees would cost less with his service since their would be no transportation fees unlike a container service, which many businesses still use.

On top of his farm operating the compost collection service as part of its business, Richmond’s farm is also certified for it’s grass fed beef.

Other business

Town Administrator Amy Bernard informed selectmen that Manager of Economic Development at Community Concepts, Mia Purcell, has agreed to come and discuss the town’s broadband plan. Bernard said Purcell may be available for a discussion sometime in December.

Hours for election day at the town office will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Newry selectmen will next meet Tuesday Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. at the Newry Town office. Hours for election day at the town office will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

swheeler@bethelcitizen.com