Since its launch in 2019, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s composting program has grown steadily and now operates at nearly 30 sites citywide, writes Frank Kummer for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The program began with minimal funding under Ash Richards, the city’s urban agriculture director, who oversees Farm Philly, the urban agriculture arm of Parks & Recreation. Originally, he aimed to establish 20 community composting sites. The network now includes 23 locations and is accepting applications for an additional five to 10 sites this year, with submissions open through March 27.
The program’s goal is to prevent organic waste from reaching landfills and instead turning it into free compost for community use. Last year, the all-volunteer network successfully diverted 12,000 pounds of food scraps from going into landfills.
“They have a desire to not only take waste out of their neighborhoods or take waste out of the waste stream, they also have the desire to generate this life-giving, organic resource that otherwise some of the residents couldn’t afford,” said Richards.
To support and sustain these composting sites, Richards developed partnerships throughout Philadelphia with urban farms, community organizations, community gardens, recreation centers, and schools taking part.
Read more about the expansion of Philadelphia’s composting program in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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