Norwalk council moves pilot food-scrap program toward permanence with New Gen amendment

The Norwalk Common Council voted April 14 to amend the city’s 2023 contract with New Gen Strategies and Solutions LLC, authorizing up to $42,500 to develop procurement documents and move the city’s pilot food-scrap program toward a permanent model.

Council members said the item followed extensive committee-level review and public comment. The amendment will allow New Gen to assist the city in drafting an RFP and studying options including continued third-party partnerships or developing an in‑house program. Sponsors described the change as a cost‑effective next step because New Gen is already familiar with the pilot program and the city’s objectives.

A public commenter with professional experience in recycling and waste management urged the council to emphasize food-waste-generation reduction — such as donation, feed programs and education — earlier in any future scope rather than focusing only on end‑of‑process solutions. Committee members noted that the committee had asked for clarification and that the current amendment seeks to broaden competitive procurement to evaluate alternatives.

The council approved the amendment unanimously. Staff said the RFP process and potential program design would be reported back to the committee and council as work proceeds.