Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Jersey City鈥檚 Division of Recycling announce the latest expansion of the city鈥檚 highly successful composting program to make it easier than ever for city residents to reduce landfill waste and improve public health through composting. The Fulop Administration鈥檚 latest efforts to boost participation in the city鈥檚 composting program includes new services, locations, and partnerships.
Since starting as a pilot program in 2019, the Fulop Administration has grown the initiative to collect and divert more than 2.4 million pounds of waste from landfills. Instead, the waste is repurposed as nutrient-rich organic material to help fertilize home gardens, parks, and community gardens. 鈥淎dding more accessible drop-off sites is crucial in encouraging more community involvement and more awareness about sustainable practices,鈥� said Mayor Fulop. 鈥淥ur composting efforts not only reduce landfill waste and support a greener, more sustainable future for Jersey City, but we are also setting the standard for others to mirror.
Composting plays a vital role in waste management and sustainability efforts, especially in denselypopulated areas. Adding more locations around the city provides a practical solution for residents who may not have the space or resources to compost at home. The first two new compost collection sites are Pershing Field and Paulus Hook, with two additional locations opening this summer once the most optimal locations are determined. 鈥淏y having these sites near schools, we can promote a culture of sustainability and environmental consciousness among students and their families,鈥� adds Sonia Marte-Dublin, Director of the Division of Recycling.
In addition, the city is announcing a new partnership with Green Bucket Compost to move forward with expansion plans. Residents can now include any certified compostable items in their food waste drop-offs as Green Bucket Compost works with a nearby anaerobic digestion facility to recycle materials into renewable natural gas (RNG) and soil amending compost. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to bring our services to Jersey City and to help empower residents to turn their food scraps into renewable energy,鈥� said Isaiah Green, Founder of Green Bucket Compost. 鈥淏y offering the option to include compostable bags and cutlery, we鈥檙e making food waste recycling even more accessible and user-friendly.
Composting reduces household waste, creates free fertilizer, and lowers methane emissions, making a real impact on the environment. As Director Dublin explains, four key components underscore the importance of composting, particularly near educational institutions:
- Waste Reduction: Composting drop-off sites significantly reduces the volume of organic waste sent to landfills. In urban areas like Jersey City, where space is limited, diverting food scraps and yard waste from landfills helps alleviate waste management challenges and extends the lifespan of existing landfill sites. This is particularly crucial near schools to promote waste reduction efforts among students and residents.
- Community Engagement: Composting sites foster community involvement and awareness about sustainable practices. They serve as educational hubs where residents can learn about the benefits of composting, proper waste segregation, and the importance of reducing food waste. By having these sites near schools, we can promote a culture of sustainability and environmental consciousness among students and their families.
- Convenience and Accessibility: By offering easily accessible locations, cities like Jersey City can encourage more residents, including school communities, to participate in composting activities. This accessibility is crucial in ensuring widespread adoption of composting practices.
- Educational Opportunities: A compost site near a school presents valuable educational opportunities for students. It provides a hands-on learning experience that fosters awareness about sustainability, environmental science, and responsible waste management. By engaging students in composting activities, we can instill lifelong habits of environmental stewardship and waste reduction practices.
Residents can participate through new drop-off sites, backyard composting initiatives, and communitycomposting locations. Sustainable Jersey City continues to provide resources and education to help residents get started.