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