The Carolina Recycling Association recognized New Hanover County’s Environmental Management Department with the 2019 Annual Recycling Award for the food waste composting program during the organization’s annual conference in March.
Since beginning its compost food waste program in November 2017, the county has generated more than 80 tons of compost, which is used in county parks and gardens and shared with area organic farmers.
“After conducting two consecutive waste audits, we learned that over half of the waste being disposed of in the county landfill was compostable,” said Environmental Management Director Joe Suleyman in a statement. “So we decided to be proactive and purchase an innovative in-vessel system designed to eliminate odors and wastewater issues that are typically associated with composting. All the pre-consumer food waste from UNCW’s dining hall is processed through the system, in addition to feed stocks from restaurants, private individuals, and farmer’s markets.”
All residents and businesses are encouraged to use the composting program. Unpackaged food waste can be brought at no charge to the county’s composter at the landfill, 5210 U.S. 421 N., or to the mobile household hazardous waste unit, HazWagon. Food waste collection at homes and businesses also can be arranged.
The Carolina Recycling Association honors top performers each year that advance waste reduction and recycling in North and South Carolina. The awards are open to individuals, companies, governments, schools, organizations, nonprofits organizations and councils.
Join the conversation on our Facebook PageLike This Story?
It costs about $500 to produce this and all other stories on CRO. You can help pay some of the cost by sponsoring a day on CRO for as little as $100 or by donating any amount you're comfortable with. All sponsorships and donations are tax-deductible.
