Food Waste Survey Results + Composting Events Coming Up!

In February, we hosted a chilly but impactful home composting class with a small group of Lopezians. While two Master Composters presented composting basics and rat-resistant home composting systems, the discussion was made richer by everyone sharing their own challenges and successes.

Many members of our community have been composting food waste for years, or are compost educators themselves. Of the food waste that isn't composted, much still avoids the landfill thanks to our beloved chickens, pigs, and goats.

Lopez Solid Waste recently collected a short food waste survey — 139 total responses both online and in-person — and about 66% of respondents said they throw less than half of their food waste in the trash. More than 70% said they compost at home. Most who compost use a closed bin system, of which there are many types, but many of us combine systems in ways that work best for our spaces and the types of food waste we generate. Open piles work great for some, worm bins are best for others.

So why don't we all compost? 20% of respondents wrote that they don't experience any barriers to composting food waste, but about the same number of folks cited rodents as the reason they don't compost more (or at all). Other top challenges included lack of space, uncertainty around their rental situation, no use for finished compost, and mobility.

At LSWDD's class in February, we discussed several rodent-resistant composting systems, focusing on one in particular: dig-in steel can composters. We visited a three-can system that's been used to compost food waste for about four years, successfully keeping out both rats and raccoons. Participants took home free steel can composters, courtesy of our friends at Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP), to try at home.

However, these types of composters don't work for everyone — maybe you don't have a yard where you can dig one in, or your landlord has a policy against them. If you want to throw less food in the garbage, chances are there's someone on Lopez composting in a way that would work for you. About 37% of survey respondents are interested in learning more about home composting — some are brand-new to composting and looking for an introduction, while others expressed their desire to connect with other composters and tackle challenges together.

So, in addition to hosting a second "composting for beginners" class this spring, we've also carved out an evening at the Grange to bring the composters of Lopez together!

Home Composting for Beginners

SATURDAY, MAY 10 • 2 to 3:30pm

For those new to home composting! Learn compost basics & rodent-resistant systems. Take home a free sig-in steel can composter, courtesy of SWAP. Location near village & space is limited so registration is required. Register by emailing sarahr@lopezsolidwaste.org.

Compost Knowledge Share at the Grange

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 • 5 to 7pm

Join compost educators & fellow composters to share experiences, ask questions, celebrate successes, & troubleshoot challenges. Arrive & leave as able. Light refreshments provided by SWAP!

Questions? Email sarahr@lopezsolidwaste.org.