FoodShare operates the largest mid-scale compost program in Toronto, located next to our two-acre urban farm at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate. Community members help make it possible through our compost exchange program. Folks can bring their kitchen scraps to be added to the compost and in return are given vouchers they can use to purchase fresh produce grown at the farm. Many of the folks participating in the compost exchange program live in apartment buildings without compost programs. We’re excited to share these awesome results from 2019:
- 100 families participating in the compost program
- 56,088 lbs of food waste diverted from landfill
- 134,000 lbs of carbon materials (wood chips, sawdust) diverted from landfill
- 498,224 lbs of carbon emissions saved
- 25 yards of finished compost that will be used to grow vegetables at the farm in 2020
By diverting waste from landfills, we reduce our collective impact on the environment. Instead of waste ending up in a mound for years and years, red wrigglers and earthworms use their biological powers to make rich plant food. It only takes the worms a few weeks or months and the resulting compost helps gardens irrigate better. Food waste in, fertilizer out.
Resources
With a generous grant from the Toronto Atmospheric Fund we’ve developed a Guide to Mid-sized Composting operations to share our experience with others interested in mid-scale composting.
Want to build your own Three Bin Composter, like the ones we use at FoodShare? Check out our Three Bin Composter build guide. Tools not included.
Composting - Presentation
Compost Breakdown
Roots to Rooftops - Workshop Facilitation Resources
