Athens could become one of the first cities in Ohio to provide curbside compost pickup, city officials have said.
Not to mention the service would be free to residents.
“This isn’t rocket science,” said Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward, at Athens City Council’s Monday night committee meeting. “Many cities throughout the country do this, there’s no reason why we can’t.”
The pickup would be provided by The Compost Exchange, a private compost center in Athens that was opened a year ago by Ray Leard.
The exchange is to begin gauging residential interest immediately by putting a survey on its website and would then launch an 8-to-10-week pilot program in one ward of the city that held concentrated interest. Because it’s a pilot program, Mayor Paul Wiehl said it will not require council approval until it moves past preliminary stages.
However, Leard came to Monday’s meeting to outline the plan to city officials for future collaboration.
“Thirty percent of the waste stream is organic recyclables that go in the trash every week, and we would consider starting a full-time pilot project in the city of Athens to pick up these organic recyclables,” Leard said.
The Compost Exchange started providing weekly curbside pickup last year for $20 a month for an individual residence, though “teams” can pay $10 a month, according to its website.
“We would choose some neighborhood, Eastside or Westside or a combination of neighborhoods to see if residents have a desire to start,” Leard added.
Residents would be provided buckets that would hold about 25 pounds. The buckets are typically used by restaurants to hold pickles. They would be picked up weekly along with other residential trash, but would be handled by Leard’s company instead of the city.
“There is a need for this in Athens proper,” Leard said, adding that his center could handle the increase in compost capacity. “We already handle around 6,000 pounds of compost from the farmers market and local restaurants.”
Leard said he is anticipating a positive response from residents, and that he can produce results on the trial by June or July to council.
“People say it will be more hassle, but I believe in scientific study to answer these questions,” Leard said. “There are a number of people who say ‘hey, it’s worth the hassle.’”
Wiehl voiced support, saying that he already composts himself.
The Athens Compost Exchange sells its compost to local farmers and landscapers, meaning that the collaboration with the city could ultimately benefit local businesses.
Also Monday night, City Council President Jim Sands received a warm welcome back from council members, returning after a two-week hiatus while he recovered from his fall March 5.
Sands ended the meeting by noting that March 31 is the fifth Monday of the month, and council typically does not meet on these days.
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This article originally appeared in print under the headline "Free curbside compost pickup possible for Athens"
