Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment (R.A.C.E.)
R.A.C.E. is a volunteer organization comprised of Ridgefield residents who are passionate about creating a greener, more sustainable future. We serve in an advisory capacity to Ridgefield’s First Selectperson and work to create a more eco-conscious community.
Our member-designed and implemented projects focus on three key pillars:
Stay in the Loop: For the most up-to-date information about RACE and local environmental, sustainability, and energy-focused events please follow us on Facebook!
Contact Us: [email protected]
Ridgefield Solar Celebration & EV Show: RACE recently hosted a solar celebration and EV show to celebrate the town of Ridgefield’s 12th and largest solar array, the Solar Canopy at Ridgefield High School. Together, the town’s 12 solar installations generate power equivalent to 33% of the town's electrical demand. All 12 solar projects, including the Solar Canopy at Ridgefield High School, have been financed by third parties. These projects have saved the town over $5.6 million in a 20-year period, with an annual savings of $280,000.
Recycling Center & Transfer Station Information: Please click here to view information about the Ridgefield Transfer Station and Ridgefield’s mixed (single-stream) recycling program.
Where Can I Recycle It?: Not sure where to bring your item? Click here for a Ridgefield guide!
Food Scraps to Compost Program: It is estimated that almost 25% of our waste stream is food. Ridgefield residents are encouraged to sign up for the free composting program online or at the Recycling Center. Drop off your food scraps and pick up fresh nutrient-rich soil, while reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions! Additional information on food waste composting is available here.
Thinking About Installing Solar, Heat Pumps, or EV Charging? A great place to start is Energy Sage. They connect you to specialists in our area based on your needs. You can also email [email protected] to request to be connected with a fellow Ridgefield resident who has installed a similar project for help and guidance!
Ridgefield's Sustainability Leaders: Every three years, RACE coordinates Ridgefield’s application for Sustainable CT’s certification program. Ridgefield earned Sustainable CT’s Bronze Certification in its inaugural class of certifying municipalities and we were awarded Bronze Certification in 2021 and 2024!
In addition to the Recycling Center (55 South Street), many items can also be recycled at other local locations around town:
Click here for a map of the locations.
Our member-designed and implemented projects focus on three key pillars:
- Responsible Energy Use
- Conservation of Natural Resources
- Reduction of Waste
Stay in the Loop: For the most up-to-date information about RACE and local environmental, sustainability, and energy-focused events please follow us on Facebook!
Contact Us: [email protected]
Happening Now
The HRRA is hosting the 18th annual Billboard Contest! The HRRA hosts an annual billboard contest for K-12 students in its member towns, with the goal of promoting proper recycling and waste disposal. The 2025 contest theme is "Batteries Can Cause Fires," challenging participants to create a billboard ad that educates residents on the fire risks of improper battery disposal.Ridgefield Solar Celebration & EV Show: RACE recently hosted a solar celebration and EV show to celebrate the town of Ridgefield’s 12th and largest solar array, the Solar Canopy at Ridgefield High School. Together, the town’s 12 solar installations generate power equivalent to 33% of the town's electrical demand. All 12 solar projects, including the Solar Canopy at Ridgefield High School, have been financed by third parties. These projects have saved the town over $5.6 million in a 20-year period, with an annual savings of $280,000.
Resources & Information
Recycling Center & Transfer Station Information: Please click here to view information about the Ridgefield Transfer Station and Ridgefield’s mixed (single-stream) recycling program.
Where Can I Recycle It?: Not sure where to bring your item? Click here for a Ridgefield guide!
Food Scraps to Compost Program: It is estimated that almost 25% of our waste stream is food. Ridgefield residents are encouraged to sign up for the free composting program online or at the Recycling Center. Drop off your food scraps and pick up fresh nutrient-rich soil, while reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions! Additional information on food waste composting is available here.
Thinking About Installing Solar, Heat Pumps, or EV Charging? A great place to start is Energy Sage. They connect you to specialists in our area based on your needs. You can also email [email protected] to request to be connected with a fellow Ridgefield resident who has installed a similar project for help and guidance!Ridgefield's Sustainability Leaders: Every three years, RACE coordinates Ridgefield’s application for Sustainable CT’s certification program. Ridgefield earned Sustainable CT’s Bronze Certification in its inaugural class of certifying municipalities and we were awarded Bronze Certification in 2021 and 2024!
Where Can I Recycle Locally?
In addition to the Recycling Center (55 South Street), many items can also be recycled at other local locations around town: Click here for a map of the locations.
- Auto Batteries - Transfer Station (fee charged)
- Brush/Yard Waste - Transfer Station (fee charged)
- Cardboard - Recycling Center
- Cooking Oil - Recycling Center
- Corks - Cellar XV (86 Danbury Road)
- Eyeglasses - Lion’s Club drop box locations:
- Town Hall 400 Main Street
- MyEyeDr. 125 Danbury Rd Suite 8,
- Dr. Amatuzzi's Office 419 Main Street
- Family Eye Care 96 Danbury Road
- Dr. Doty's office 85 Main Street
- Chez Delila's 10 Roberts Lane
- Dr. Reynold's Opthalmology 898 Ethan Allen Highway
- Founder's Hall 193 Danbury Road
- Copps Hill Marketplace 109 Danbury Road - Yellow Collection box is on the sidewalk in front of cheese shop.
- E-waste - Recycling Center; special collection days at the Ridgefield Library (472 Main Street)
- Fire Extinguishers - Recycling Center
- Food Scraps - Recycling Center; Curbside Compost; (potentially farms)
- Ink Cartridges - Recycling Center; Town Hall (400 Main Street); Staples (113 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury)
- Large Appliances - Transfer Station (fee charged)
- Mattresses - Recycling Center
- Paint - Recycling Center; Ridgefield Supply (29 Prospect Street); Keogh’s Hardware (1 Ethan Allen Highway)
- Plastic Film - Recycling Center; Stop N Shop (125 Danbury Road)
- Prescription Medicines - Ridgefield Police Station (76 East Ridge Road)
- Shredded Paper - Recycling Center
- Textiles - Recycling Center (Baystate Textile Bins); Ridgefield Thrift Store (21B Governor Street); Bring N Buy (590 Danbury Road); Goodwill (South Street)
- Tires - Transfer Station (fee charged until 2025)