Title
Follow-Up Discussion of Food Waste Composting Feasibility Study and Discussion of Environmental Services Fees
Body
The Food Waste Composting Feasibility report is the culmination of many years and hours of staff, consultants and volunteer time researching and exploring food waste composting and providing food waste prevention education to decrease waste sent to the landfill. Food waste composting provides a viable solution to manage excess yard trimmings, a similar program that was started and is very popular with the community. Food composting could provide the next step towards reducing our environmental impact by avoiding greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing waste sent to landfill. The compost produced from the operation will enrich our soil and generate revenues to offset a portion of the operation and maintenance expenses.
At the May 17, 2022, County Council Work Session, Environmental Services manager and our consultant (SCS Engineers), presented the findings of the Food Composting Feasibility Study. The feasibility study evaluated five (5) food composting technology options: Anaerobic digestion, in vessel, covered aerated static piles, aerated static piles, and windrow composting. The report also analyzed four (4) locations, Bayo Canyon, Overlook Park (2 locations), and Eco Station. Additionally, the study reviewed collection options including curbside collection and drop off sites. The report concluded with a recommendation of windrow composting technology, located at Bayo Canyon and providing drop off sites for residents and curbside collection for businesses. The Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) recommendation to implement food waste composting using the windrow system at Bayo Canyon and provide drop off sites for residents and curbside collection for businesses. At this meeting, Council had many questions and requested more information regarding the economic and environmental impacts of landfilling vs. composting organic mate...
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