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    • HOME
    • ABOUT
      • MISSION & HISTORY
      • WHO WE ARE
      • 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
    • SINGLE USE PLASTICS
      • BAGS
      • BALLOONS
      • STRAWS
      • POLYSTYRENE FOAM
      • SINGLE USE PLASTICS
    • ZERO WASTE
      • ZERO WASTE PRINCIPLES
      • FOOD WASTE/COMPOSTING
    • EDUCATION/PROGRAMS
      • YES! YOUTH SUMMIT
      • WILD&SCENIC FILM PROGRAM
      • DE COMPOSTING INITIATIVE
      • HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTT
      • SCHOOL RESOURCES
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    • RESOURCES
      • HEALTH
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Plastic Free Delaware
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DELAWARE COMMUNITY COMPOSTING INITIATIVE

Don't waste your food! (it's black gold!)

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

Delaware Food System & Waste Panel Discussion

May 5 

10:30am-12:00pm


Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week with Plastic Free Delaware and Zero Waste First State as we take a deep dive into understanding our state's food system and food waste issues.  We will be joined by expert panelists who will share insight into these topics and help us better understand the complexities and connections between our food, our waste, and our ecosystems.  With Delaware's landfill matter being 25% food waste, it is time to begin implementing initiatives to reduce food waste.  Under its Zero Waste First State program, PFD will be discussing the launch of its Delaware Community Composting Initiative. The event will include an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. 


Panelists Include: 

  • Gail Hermenau, UD Cooperative Extension 
  • Michael Parkowski, DSWA
  • Rabiul Rafi, UD Food Recovery Network 
  • Chad Robinson, Food Bank of Delaware 
  • Greg Williams, DNREC 
  • Matthew Williams, Conscious Connections Inc.
  • Ruth Arias, Bright Spot Ventures
  • Nora Melley, DE Center for Horticulture 

ACCESS RECORDING HERE

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.


What can be composted in backyard and community composting? 

Join the listserve for Community Composting in Delaware

JOIN THE LISTSERVE

Contact Brigid Gregory, DCCI Program Director, for more information and get started!

Find out more

With thanks to DCCI program sponsors and partners:

Copyright © 2022 Plastic Free Delaware - All Rights Reserved


Plastic Free Delaware is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN #85-2916447

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