Philadelphia, PA launched a multi-departmental, self-sustaining Community Composting Network

Community Compost Network Application (CLOSED)

*ATTENTION* Community Compost Network Application is now *CLOSED* Thank you so much to everyone who applied for FarmPhilly's Community Compost Network. Applications are now closed, but we encourage you to submit your information below if you would like to be considered in the event we have a second round of applications. Please email us at farmphilly@phila.gov if you have any questions. Happy composting! The FarmPhilly Team ___________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS PROGRAM? The City of Philadelphia’s Greenworks Sustainability Plan and Zero Waste and Litter Action Plan call for expanded opportunities for residents to compost organic waste. Diverting organic material out of landfills will be a crucial part of Philadelphia’s commitment to zero waste. Composting not only helps keep organic matter out of landfills where it contributes to harmful greenhouse gases that cause climate change, but composting also converts waste into valuable soil amendments, keeps waste in a local closed-loop system, and engages communities through education and participation. To support Philadelphia residents in becoming more aware and engaged in local composting efforts, the City of Philadelphia is developing a Community Compost Network that would serve 20-25 sites in Philadelphia. Modeled after the successful program in Washington DC’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Philadelphia program will identify 20-25 city-owned urban agriculture/community garden/recreation/school sites throughout the city to install a community-scale composting system. City-owned land being used by groups would be the best fit to host a system, but private property would be acceptable as long as a group has permission from the owner. We would also accept fully preserved gardens, for example gardens within the Neighborhood Garden Trust. The Community Compost Network program is made possible through a partnership of City agencies, including the Office of Sustainability (OOS), Zero Waste and Litter Cabinet (The Cabinet) and the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR), and funding from Comcast that was awarded in 2018. THE GOALS OF THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES: • Building capacity of residents to engage in community composting and host workshops on the importance of responsible solid waste disposal and the environmental advantages of composting • Supporting neighborhoods to reduce their waste and increase their recycling rate • Sharing best practices for the management of the composting systems • Collecting data on each composting system and the food scraps contributed & fertilizer generated WHAT IS COMMUNITY COMPOSTING? Community composting happens when neighbors bring together their food and yard waste to make new soil locally in their neighborhoods. Community composting can serve residents typically for free or low cost, and this community-based effort fosters a culture of environmental and social well being in the city. WHO SHOULD APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM? • Community and civic organizations • Schools • Community gardens and farms • Neighborhood spaces WHO SHOULD NOT APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM? Someone looking to start a composting business. This program is intended to support groups that want to provide a community benefit, it is not intended to help start a business or gain capital. SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION: You must submit your application (Google Form) by 11:59pm on June 28th, 2019. Optionally you may submit your application (please print the Google Form) by mail: Send your hard copy application to the address below to be delivered by June 28th, 2019 (not postmarked by this date). Mailing Address: Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department RE: Community Compost Network Application 1515 Arch St. 10th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102 Attn: Farm Philly Program QUESTIONS? Please email us at: farmphilly@phila.gov PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH! Zero Waste and Litter Cabinet: Website: cleanphl.org/programs/zerowaste/ Twitter: @CleanPHL Facebook: facebook.com/CleanPHL Philadelphia Food Policy Advisory Council: Website: phillyfpac.org/ Twitter: @PhillyFPAC Facebook: facebook.com/PhillyFPAC/ Philadelphia Office of Sustainability Website: phila.gov/programs/greenworks Twitter: @GreenworksPhila Facebook: facebook.com/greenworksphila/ Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Website: phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-parks-recreation/ Twitter: @PhilaParkandRec Facebook: facebook.com/PhilaParkandRec/