Scio Township Launches Free Food Waste Challenge to Help Residents Cut Carbon Footprints and Save Money

Five-day community challenge runs May 18–22; participants eligible for prizes from local businesses

Scio Township is inviting residents to take part in the Scio Food Waste Challenge, a free, five-day community event running May 18–22 designed to show how simple changes to everyday shopping, storage, and consumption habits can meaningfully reduce household carbon footprints — and help residents save money at the grocery store.

The challenge builds on the momentum of Scio Township’s Food Waste Compost Pilot Program, launched in November 2025, which has already attracted more than 100 participants. That program established a 24/7 food waste drop-off station at Township Hall, diverting food scraps and compostable tableware from municipal landfills and turning them into nutrient-rich compost. The Food Waste Challenge is the next step in that effort — extending the Township’s commitment to sustainability directly into residents’ homes and kitchens.

Throughout the challenge, participants will receive daily emails with actionable tips and connections to local resources focused on reducing food waste. Participants will also join a growing community of Scio Township neighbors who share a commitment to sustainability.

As an added incentive, everyone who participates will be entered into a drawing for prizes from local businesses like a $50 gift card to Kroger as well as a $50 Visa debit card. Residents can sign up as individuals or form a team and challenge friends and family to join.

“Food waste is one of the most impactful — and overlooked — contributors to household carbon emissions. This challenge gives every resident a simple, supported way to make a real difference, starting in their own kitchen,” said Jan Culbertson of the Scio Township Environmental Sustainability Task Force.

Registration is free and open now at zerowaste.org/scio.