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Boston launching pilot composting program (article)

[originally found here: http://www.wasterecyclingnews.com/article/20130813/NEWS08/130819986/boston-launching-pilot-composting-program?utm_campaign=residential_newsletter&utm_medium=residential_email&utm_source=residential_20130814&utm_content=article12] Boston is launching a pilot, drop-off program to collect organic waste from households and turn it into compost. The items being accepted for free at three farmers markets include mostly food scraps, such as fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, egg shells, nut shells, pits and non-greasy items like rice, pasta, bread and cereal. However, house plants and potted soil will be taken, too. The limited-time program – it ends in late October – represents Boston's first foray into public composting and will allow city officials to evaluate how residential composting can be part of waste reduction goals. Mayor Thomas M. Menino said the program was inspired by feedback during community presentations about the city's urban agricultural zoning amendment and it contributes to…

Food Scraps Will Grow the Compost Market (article)

(as originally posted here) As more cities and municipalities attempt to divert food scraps and other organics from the waste stream, composting will continue to grow across all sectors in 2013, according to an industry expert. "In terms of organics recycling, it's a pretty common fact that if you look at food residuals as a feedstock for the compost manufacturing industry, it's an enormous resource," said Michael Virga, executive director of the U.S. Composting Council. "It's an enormous resource, about 97%, that currently is still going to landfills and 3% is being captured, recovered and recycled into compost or other beneficial uses." In order to increase that number, Virga said, restaurants, sports venues, universities, hospitals, corporations and other large institutions will need to lead the way. Some states are making…