Municipal Blueprint for Composting Report
August 07, 2024
Municipalities––counties, cities and more––play a critical role in developing robust composting infrastructure and collection programs that divert organics from landfill
As more municipalities look to develop food scraps collection programs and work with composters to meet zero waste and climate goals, this blueprint, co-authored with Eco-Cycle, guides municipal leaders in zero-waste, solid waste and sustainability in establishing and scaling composting infrastructure and organics management programs across the country.
The blueprint offers a clear and actionable framework, including:
Policy and Program Expansion for Diverting Food Waste: This section does a deep dive into effective strategies for policy development. It explores methods to incentivize resident and business participation, while outlining pathways to maximize food waste diversion from landfills.
Setting Up Programs and Infrastructure: This section provides a clear roadmap for establishing new organics programs. It details best practices for collection methods, explores various processing options (composting facilities, anaerobic digestion), and offers guidance on navigating the critical process of contracting with reliable composters.
Communication with Program Participants: Recognizing the importance of resident and business engagement, this section provides a comprehensive communication toolkit. It outlines strategies for educating participants on proper sorting techniques, maximizing program participation, and fostering long-term program success.
Interested in joining the Municipal Partner Platform?
The Composting Consortium’s Municipal Partner Platform is a free-to-access program for city officials focused on sustainability, zero waste, and waste management. The platform connects officials with leaders nationwide to explore opportunities and challenges in starting and expanding organics collection and infrastructure programs.
Need to print composting educational materials for your city?
Does your municipality need educational materials about composting to communicate the dos, don’ts and benefits of composting to organics program participants? The Composting Consortium and Eco-Cycle have prepared ready-to-print and editable signs for municipalities to use.