A Systems Approach to Food Waste Composting for Urban Agriculture

Transcription

1 A Systems Approach to Food Waste Composting for Urban Agriculture Ryan Schone, UW Extension and Tim Allen, UW Madison Overview for Extension Colleagues Stevens Point, Wisconsin September 14, 2016 A project funded by

2 Initial SARE Project Partners Role Organization Role Organization Academic Milw School of Engineering Food Waste Systems Organic Resource Connections Academic UW-Extension Garden Rep Milwaukee Urban Gardens Academic UW-Madison Garden Rep Victory Garden Initiative Academic UW-Milwaukee Industry Rep Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Composter Blue Ribbon Organics Industry Rep Contract Comestibles Composter Elyve Organics Industry Rep Harley-Davidson Composter Purple Cow Organics Industry Rep Kohl's Department Stores Composter/urban Growing Power Landscaping Energy Exchange farmer Farm host for compost trials Cream City Farms Networking Support Cooperative Institute for Urban Agriculture and Nutrition Farmer Rep Amy's Acre Public agency City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Farmer Rep Green Corridor Micro-Farm Public agency City of Milwaukee Homegrown/ECO Farmer Rep Kaleidoscope Gardens Public agency Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Farmer Rep St. Clare Garden Videography TBD by bid Food Waste Hauler Compost Crusader Who else should we invite to participate?

3 Systems Research asks more questions than it can fully answer 1. What sources of food waste in Milwaukee are already being composted? 2. Who is composting Milwaukee s food waste now, and where? 3. What are the most promising new sources of food waste? 4. What constrains composters from expanding food waste composting? 5. What qualities are urban and peri urban farms and gardens looking for in compost? 6. How do different mixes of food waste and other organic material affect compost quality? 7. What types of compost are appropriate for different urban farm practices, products and existing conditions? 8. How knowledgeable are urban farmers of the benefits of using different compost mixes? 9. Would food waste generators favor greater recognition for their efforts to compost if it went to farms and gardens in food insecure communities? 10. How might the plans of public agencies to divert food waste from landfills and develop green infrastructure boost the supply of affordable compost for urban agriculture? 11. Could changes to existing city codes and regulations facilitate composting in the city? 12. Could new composting facilities or transfer stations in the city lower transportation and handling costs? 13. Et cetera

4 Benefits of Composting I. Diversion of Food Waste from Landfills to Composting Reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and other environmental impacts from landfills Recovers nutrients from food waste Supports waste reduction and materials recovery goals II. Use of Finished Compost Improves soil structure Increases soil water retention and reduces soil erosion Sequesters carbon in the form of organic matter Creates a marketable soil amendment (resource) for use in: urban agriculture, green infrastructure, etc. Contributes to soil fertility and plant growth, reduces synthetic chemical needs

5 Project Intent We will provide participating stakeholders with information they need to develop a collaborative plan to supply anticipated demand for affordable and appropriate compost for food production and other uses at the local and regional scale.

6 Key Components of a Composting System The suppliers and haulers of feedstock (food waste, carbon material, etc.) for composting The management, labor, technology and formulations that transform food waste and other feedstocks into compost in a northern climate The distribution of compost to end users The end users (farms, gardens, landscape architecture, green infrastructure) Relevant public sector regulations and incentives

7 Research Objectives 1. Quantify and characterize current & potential supply of compost from the Milwaukee metropolitan region 2. Quantify and characterize current & potential demand for compost locally and regionally 3. Improve understanding of the appropriate use of different composts products for different uses 4. Assess relevant local public policies and plans 5. Integrate information to enable stakeholders to make independent decisions that support a collaborative plan to meet anticipated demand

8 Local and Regional Geography The local area where we will focus our attention is a contiguous 10 zip code area of Milwaukee. The regional area of focus has not been clearly defined (possibly MMSD or M7 boundaries)

9 Project Outcomes Participating stakeholders will develop a collaborative plan to meet anticipate demand for compost in a 10 zip code area of Milwaukee. We also expect the plan to positively impact public sector goals for diverting food waste from landfills. We will develop outreach videos and website resources to share our process and results with stakeholders around other cities in the SARE North Central Region.

10 Guiding Values Respect Beneficence Justice