The Road to Zero Waste Stops at the Curb for Compost BECKY KIEFER
Summer is around the corner and the folks over at ISWR are gearing up for their “Curb to Compost” program for commercial food waste generators. The County is ready to begin food waste collection and composting as the new initiative to help move the needle on The Road to Zero Waste, a goal to divert 60% of waste from landfill by 2030. The former interim transfer station has been completely transformed into a commercial food waste composting facility. The compost area is fully equipped with elk and bear-proof fencing and a SPET funded, food de-packager. During the summer seasons of 2017, 2018, and 2019, ISWR, in partnership with Grand Teton National Park, Subaru, Westbank Sanitation, Signal Mountain Lodge, Grand Teton Lodge Company, WyoFarm Composting and several others operated a pilot food waste collection and composting program. This program was the “test run” to assess the viability of Teton County oper-
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Green Matters in Jackson Hole
ating its own food waste collection and composting program. The results were a resounding success and provided essential learning opportunities on how to set up the County’s program for the same successes. Between, bins, compostable bags vs. non compostable bags, truck specifics and schedules, ISWR found that food waste collection is complicated but 100% possible.
“ISWR found that food waste collection is complicated but 100% possible” The new Teton County Curb to Compost program is beginning with commercial food waste. Businesses can apply to be an “early adopter” of the County’s food waste composting program. The early adopting businesses will select their preferred bear-resistant bin size, pick-up schedule, be provided equipment and tools, training, and
