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 operating 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.

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

“ISWR found that food waste collection is complicated but 100% possible”

education on proper food waste composting practices. Composting food waste can be tricky if the participants aren’t trained correctly.

The Teton County food waste program is relatively simple – food waste only. Stickers, rubber bands, and other non-organic materials need to be removed. These items are where composters see the most trouble. They do not break down in the composting process, and if they aren’t removed prior, they may end up in the final product. No one wants to lay compost on their garden just to find rubber bands or produce stickers.

The one major food exception is shellfish. Exoskeletons of lobster and other shellfish are extremely resilient and oyster shells are as strong and brittle as glass. These items don’t break down even in an extremely hot composting pile. Things like napkins, coffee filters, and compostable cutlery are all on

Becky Kiefer

the NO list as well. When a program accepts compostable cutlery and other materials, it opens the door to further contamination. Many products claim they are compostable but they are not. It can be difficult to tell which products are truly compostable as many products have ambiguous marketing that confuses the consumer. The County made the decision not to accept compostable cutlery or to-go items after speaking with other communities with food composting programs. Their advice was all similar – start small and only accept food waste.

Some might be wondering, “why should I care?” Aside from reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, organic waste in landfills generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, composting these wastes create a product that can be used to help improve soil, grow the next generation of crops, and improve water quality. Separating our food waste is a win-win.

ISWR is looking ahead towards creating a residential compost program, but in the meantime, residents can currently haul their food waste to the Teton County Compost Facility located at 5400 S. HWY 89. To become an early adopter or find out more information on residential food waste composting options, email rkiefer@tetoncountywy.gov.

Becky Kiefer