SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The residential compost pilot project in the City of Frederick, MD has been touted as a big success. The pilot witnessed participation of more than 1,100 residents and diverted a total of 574,670 pounds of organic materials from landfills.

The pilot program was initially launched in June 2022 to residents in select Neighborhood Advisory Council areas, but was later expanded to all areas across the city by end-August last year. The participation in the pilot phase of the program is free for all residents, with the City covering all costs.

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According to rough estimates provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food waste accounts for approximately 24.1% of municipal solid waste in landfills. This, coupled with yard trimmings, wood and paper, organic materials make up almost 51.4% of landfill content, EPA noted.

Mayor Michael O’Connor observed that the overwhelming response to the composting pilot demonstrates the City’s commitment to sustainability. The diversion of hundreds of thousands of pounds of organic waste from landfills has not only helped in reducing environmental impacts, but has also contributed to its greener future, he added.