16 hours ago - Environment
Miami launches food scrap composting pilot program
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Miami residents can help divert biodegradable waste from landfills by composting their food scraps using a new pilot program in the city.
Why it matters: Composting turns kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil that supports the environment.
- Cities across South Florida fund their own composting programs, including Miami Beach, Coral Gables and Hollywood.
How it works: Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins announced a three-month pilot program with Compost for Life beginning this month.
- Residents who want to participate will need to register online before using the compost bins. After signing up, they'll receive a code to access the composting locations.
- Participants can drop their scraps off at five locations across the city: City Hall, Miami River Center Cafeteria, Charles Hadley Park, Morningside Park and Shenandoah Park.
- Accepted materials include fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta, rice, grains, nuts, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, brown paper, non-glossy paper, paper towels and animal protein (raw or cooked).
- Liquids, grease, fat and oil will not be accepted.
What's next: The program will run through July 31.
- To encourage participation, the city and its partners will host three community events featuring composting education.
- After the three months are up, the city will check participation levels, contamination rates and total waste collected to determine whether to expand the program.
What they're saying: "We are approaching this with discipline and intention so that any future expansion is grounded in real data and operational success," solid waste director Dale Henderson said in a press release.