The Peru Gazette

Peru, NY, February 3, 2026 – As advertised, Clinton County Health Department and Casella Waste Systems personnel were in Peru this morning explaining their joint food collection program. Peru is participating in a pilot program to determine how many residents will participate and, if they don’t, what can be done to encourage participation.  Americans typically send up to 40% of their food waste to landfills, where it takes up space and emits greenhouse gases.  The Health Department had free 2-gallon collection buckets for people signing up, and Casella personnel demonstrated how to use the collection container, located immediately along Cross Street in front of the Peru Highway Garage. 

People who couldn’t attend today can sign up at the Peru Town Hall, where they’ll receive a free 2-gallon bucket and explanatory literature. Participants will need to purchase BPI-certified biodegradable waste bags from local or online retailers. 

A Peru and a Schuyler Falls resident told the Peru Gazette they have composted food for several years. One has had problems with animals disturbing her outdoor compost container. The other individual has a solar composter, but it doesn’t work in extreme cold. She thinks this program should be a viable alternative. 

Click here to learn how to use the collection container at the highway garage.