A mid-year report indicates collection of organic material within the City of Hood River is up 56% in the first five months of the City’s new solid waste program.  The data shows 681 tons of food scraps and yard debris collected in the City from May 1 through September 30.   That total includes food scraps from restaurants, self-haul yard debris delivered to the transfer station, and organic waste picked up curbside.  A new three roll-cart system that separates three distinct waste streams…organic waste, garbage and recyclables…began May 1.  The organic matter goes to the company Dirt Hugger, which converts the material into compost.