DELAWARE COMMUNITY COMPOSTING INITIATIVE

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Did you know food waste makes up 37% of Delaware’s landfill materials? 

The Delaware Community Composting Initiative (DCCI) aims to offer educational programs to our community, facilitate collaboration, and provide technical assistance to help implement campus and community composting sites in order to reduce overall food waste and divert scraps and wasted food from the landfill, turning it into useable soil.  

What is composting, and why should we?

Composting is the "controlled process" of the decomposition of organic materials.  It diverts nutrient rich resources from going to the landfill and puts those nutrients back into local soils, which helps close the loop on the local food system and improves our carbon footprint.

What is the difference between backyard and community composting? 

There are four types of composting processes that fit different needs: backyard, community, on-site commercial, and industrial.  Backyard composting occurs at a single residence and utilizes food scraps and yard waste from one site.  Community composting occurs at a communal site and utilizes food scraps and yard waste from several residents or a nearby surrounding neighborhood.  Community composting benefits include:

• Composting opportunities for people dwelling in multi-unit housing 
• Strengthening community relationships and partnerships 
• Replenishing local soils and gardens with nutrient-rich, locally made compost 
• Reducing landfill matter

Interested in starting a community composting site?

The DCCI program will guide you through the process of establishing a community composting site.   We understand that each organization has different needs, so we are happy to work with you to determine the best composting system and process for your site.  We will assist you throughout the DNREC permitting process, training volunteers, and throughout your first year of turning food scraps into soil!  Below are some of the requirements for establishing a community composting site through PFD’s DCCI program. 

• One community liaison manager, responsible for managing weekly on-site operations, who will take a comprehensive composting training from one of our approved partners
• At least five trained members who plan to bring food and yard waste scraps - we will provide training for these members
• A piece of land at least 15'x15'
• A regular day of the week for drop-offs

Interested in our school programs?

DCCI educates students throughout Delaware on our local food system, reducing wasted food, and composting!  We've developed curriculum and programs from PK-12th grade and are excited to work with you to customize a learning experience, and even explore the possibility of a campus composting project! Our programming includes the following:

• Prepared curriculum PK-12
• Food waste audits
• Food donation and pantry programs
• Onsite composting
• Guest speakers

Interested in having someone speak at event or in the classroom?  We are excited to attend community events and speak at meetings, and visit classrooms.