Montgomery County Expands Food Scraps Recycling During Earth Month with Additional New Drop-Off Site in North Bethesda 

Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 04/24/2026 12:32 PM EDT
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For Immediate Release: Friday, April 24, 2026 

Montgomery County Expands Food Scraps Recycling During Earth Month with Additional New Drop-Off Site in North Bethesda 

Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced a new Food Scraps Recycling Drop‑Off location at the Pike Central Farm Market in North Bethesda, expanding the County’s efforts to reduce food waste during Earth Month.

Residents can bring food scraps to the Pike Central Farm Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning April 25 and continuing through November 21. The market is located at 935 Prose St. in North Bethesda, in the parking lot next to Pinstripes.
Residents can also drop off food scraps at the following locations throughout the County:

• Bethesda Central Farmers Market – 7600 Arlington Road, Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Derwood Market – 16501 Redland Road, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (May 3–Oct. 10)
• Downtown Silver Spring Market – 1 Veterans Plaza, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Olney Farmers and Artists Market – MD 108 and Prince Philip Drive, Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• NEW: Pike Central Farm Market – Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 25–Nov. 21

“Food waste is one of the easiest things we can do something about,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “When waste goes in the trash, it creates methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas. When we keep it out of the waste stream, we reduce emissions and put that material to better use. Residents have already recycled more than 193,000 pounds of food scraps since this program started in May 2024. People are more willing to do this when it’s convenient. Adding another drop-off site just makes it easier for more people to participate and keep that momentum going. I hope the people who use the Pike Central Farmers Market consider utilizing this new service.” 
DEP
The program accepts a wide range of materials, including fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, dairy products, and meat and fish bones. This new site expands the County’s network of drop‑off locations to five at specific farmers markets, and food scraps can be dropped off during regular operating hours at these locations.  
“Adding another drop‑off site at a popular community market makes it even easier for residents to take part in food scraps recycling,” said DEP Director Jennifer Macedonia. “These small, everyday actions add up to real climate benefits. We’re thrilled to see so many residents stepping up to make a positive impact.” 

For more details, including accepted materials and program guidelines, visit the County’s Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs webpage.   

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Media Contact: Cindy Pena, Celinda.Peña@montgomerycountymd.gov, 202-875-1563