The City of Alexandria is partnering with a company called Compost Crew to launch a new curbside composting collection pilot program this spring.
Registration for the pilot program is now open, and up to 2,000 households will be able to sign up for the program in its first year. For those residents, the first six months of service will be free, and those residents will receive a start-up kit paid for by the city. Up to 100 households who are currently exempt from paying the residential refuse fee will get a 12-months subsidy for the program.
Residents will be able to place items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, and bones in a dedicated bin for food waste collection instead of putting food waste in the trash. A weekly collection date will be designated by Compost Crew.
"Developing new and innovative programs to increase waste diversion is an important step forward in the City’s efforts for sustainable resource recovery and commitment to our WasteSmart Strategic Plan," said Mayor Justin Wilson. "This pilot program will expose more residents to the benefits of composting, helping pave the way for a greener and more sustainable Alexandria."
Pilot participants will be encouraged to provide ongoing feedback to the City. After six months, residents may continue service with the vendor for a monthly or annual subscription fee. Residents will have the option to cancel service at any time.
As part of this program, the City will also conduct a Food Waste Reduction outreach campaign to provide residents with everyday tips to reduce food waste impact at home. The Curbside Composting Pilot will be in addition to the City’s free food waste composting services open to all residents at farmers’ markets.
