Project Backer: Coastal Conservation League
THE PROJECT
We think it would be great if the County set up a Municipal Residential Composting system. As it is, residential composters must take their waste out to the landfill on Bees Ferry. There is already an industrial composter that converts yard waste to mulch, so this would not require massive infrastructure costs. There could even be drop off sites at convenient locations downtown, such as the College of Charleston, and the GrowFood Carolina warehouse, and schools all across the County. Food waste accounts for almost 15% of all household waste in the US. Just imagine the savings- in landfill space, methane emissions, truck fuel etc- if we could reuse even a fraction of our food waste. It would also create a huge resource for local farmers and a great educational opportunity for students of all ages. There are stellar examples of municipal composting all across the country that we could emulate. This project would be a huge win-win-win, and our new Mayor should absolutely take it on.
WHO BENEFITS
This would affect all residents and would involve coordinating our waste management systems and landfills and also a major education component from the City and County.
STATUS
Dreaming Big
HURDLES & CHALLENGES
The biggest issue will probably be consumer outreach and education. It takes a lot to get people to change their behavior in their homes and offices. After that, the biggest issue is getting funding for compost pickups in addition to regular recycling and garbage pickups.
POTENTIAL COLLABORATIONS
This is a great opportunity to work with nonprofits, schools and local governments
LINKS
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