Washtenaw County has launched a food scrap drop-off pilot program to reduce organic waste in landfills by turning it into soil. FOX 2 Detroit reports the effort is funded by a nearly $10,000 grant from Closed Loop Partners’ Composting Consortium and the Biodegradable Products Institute. The pilot is now accepting applications and will serve up to 300 households.
Washtenaw County has started a food waste pilot in Ypsilanti with a drop-off site for food scraps and BPI-certified compostable products, with plans to expand to Dexter and Salem townships. Ann Arbor is currently the only city in the county with municipal food scrap pickup. Public Works Director Theo Eggermont said, "This pilot will enable residents to turn everyday food scraps into healthy soil instead of landfill waste and potent greenhouse gases," according to MLive. The pilot is part of the county’s Resiliency Plan to build a circular economy.
Washtenaw County is starting a composting pilot to reduce food waste, which makes up about 25% of landfill trash, as per WEMU. The project aims to divert up to 45,000 pounds of organic waste from landfills in its first six months. The effort began after county officials attended a conference and partnered with My Green Michigan. Similar composting programs are also being developed in cities like Farmington and Royal Oak. Details and interest forms are available on the county’s website.
