Curbside Food Composting Begins As Pilot Program In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A limited number of households receiving City of Alexandria trash collection services will be able to join a new curbside composting pilot program.

The pilot program will allow residents to compost food waste and get it collected through the city's partnership with organics recycling company Compost Crew. Food waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, and bones would be placed in food waste collection bin rather than the trash. Collections are expected to start in the spring.

"Compost Crew is delighted to partner with the City of Alexandria to bring convenient curbside food scrap collection to its residents," said Ben Parry, CEO of Compost Crew, in a statement. "Diverting food waste for recycling into compost is an easy way Alexandria residents can contribute to the City's environmental objectives."

Before the pilot program, composting in Alexandria is only available by dropping off food waste at farmers markets' food waste composting stations or backyard composting.

"Developing new and innovative programs to increase waste diversion is an important step forward in the City’s efforts for sustainable resource recovery and commitment to our WasteSmart Strategic Plan," said Mayor Justin Wilson in a statement. "This pilot program will expose more residents to the benefits of composting, helping pave the way for a greener and more sustainable Alexandria."

Up to 2,000 households will be selected for each year of the two-year pilot program. Participants will receive the first six months for free and start-up kit funded by the city. After six months, residents can continue service for a monthly or annual subscription fee, or they may cancel any time.

A 12-month subsidy covering all costs will be provided for 100 households currently exempt from the trash collection fee and that receive tax relief and assistance.

Registrations are being accepted in a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Those who preregistered through the city's feedback form in December will receive an email on how to proceed.

The collection day for the food waste composting will be determined by Compost Crew and may not be the same as a household's scheduled trash and recycling collection day.

The city will be seeking feedback from program participants along the way and will have outreach with tips on reducing food waste.