MONTICELLO, N.Y.— Sullivan County residents can now dispose of food scraps for free at all county transfer stations as officials expand efforts to divert organic waste from landfills and prepare for a planned county composting facility.

The program accepts food scraps at transfer stations in Monticello, Ferndale, Mamakating, Cochecton, Livingston Manor and Barryville.

“We love that smelly food waste!” Recycling Coordinator Kassie Thelman said in a statement. “Don’t throw it in with the rest of your garbage — bring it to one of our transfer stations in Monticello, Ferndale, Mamakating, Cochecton, Livingston Manor or Barryville!”

Accepted materials include fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, dairy products, egg shells, nuts, seeds, coffee grounds and paper coffee filters. Tea bags are also accepted if staples have been removed.

The county said residents should not include bags, packaging or dishware and utensils, even if they are labeled compostable. Pet waste, flowers and soiled paper products such as napkins are also not accepted and should be disposed of with regular household trash.

According to the county, collected food scraps are transported to a commercial composting facility, where they are processed into compost. County officials are planning to construct their own composting facility near the Monticello Transfer Station within the next few years.

Residents seeking more information about the food scrap recycling program can email recycling@sullivanny.gov or call 845-807-0291. Hours of operation and transfer station locations are available through the Sullivan County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling.