Avoiding Contamination in Food Waste Feedstock for Composting

The usefulness and value of finished compost depends on a feedstock that is free of contaminants, such as plastic and non-degradable service ware and bags. Unfortunately, it is all too common to find these materials in food waste destined for composting. This webinar, jointly hosted by NERC and NEWMOA, addressed successful educational strategies and programs to avoid these contaminants.

Presenters included:

• Erin Skelly, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Organics Recycling Facility, Minnesota [PDF]: “Strategies to Reduce Contamination at a Large Scale Composting Facility”
• Kate Kurtz and Becca Fong, Seattle Public Utilities [PDF]: “Addressing Compost Contamination in Seattle: a combination of policy and outreach”
• Natasha Duarte, Composting Association of Vermont [PDF]: “Navigating Compost Contamination Concerns in Vermont”

View the recorded webinar.