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City Composting
Nov 09, 2012 Patrick B4
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4

We are increasingly well trained to separate our trash into recycling versus garbage. How about taking it a step further by offering compost pickup (in addition to yard waste)? This would not only save space in our landfills, but we could also offer to sell the compost back to residents and use it to cover vacant lots as a means to promote sustainable local agriculture.

4 Comments
  • Nicole R11

    by Nicole R11 I seconded. The City could also do a better job promoting their compost bins. Tempe does not charge for theirs and will deliver the compost bins to your residence, unlike Phoenix, which charges $5 per bin and requires you to come and pick it up. Not everyone has a sizable enough vehicle to transport the bin. Not everyone HAS a vehicle for that matter. Phoenix needs to consider the cost savings per compost bin distributed when someone wanting a City compost bin for their home compost their waste rather than throwing it away.

    Jan 13, 2013 at 9:05 AM  
  • Patrick B4

    by Patrick B4 Good point about the existing compost bins, of which I was already aware but forgot when I posted this. Even if people kept their compost, it would benefit the city by reducing total landfill waste. If, however, we also provided several large neighborhood bins throughout town, the city could also collect the compost and distribute/sell as needed.

    Jan 13, 2013 at 12:00 PM  
  • comment icon

    by Jimmy E I think the city of Phoenix is planning something like this. I took my daughters Girl Scout troop to tour the North Gateway Transfer Center and during that tour our tour guide talked about a city wide "green bin" for organic yard waste. He mentioned that this was something that was in the works and that would be implemented in the next few years. I love the idea of making "compost" in the desert. New "soil/compost" is a valuable asset in the desert and should be encouraged.

    Nov 12, 2012 at 7:48 PM  
  • Patrick B4

    by Patrick B4 That is excellent news. I have heard of private companies trying to get into the composting business, but it doesn't seem like the best business model. The city, however, could justify composting as a means to offset costs and promote other best practices.

    Nov 12, 2012 at 8:41 PM  
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