Performing Department
Department of Human Services
Non Technical Summary
Food waste is a significant problem in our community, contributing to rising greenhouse gas emissions, high disposal costs, and environmental injustices. In Montclair Township, large volumes of food waste are sent to incinerators in overburdened communities like Newark's Ironbound neighborhood, exacerbating pollution and health disparities in these areas. Furthermore, many residents lack access to composting options, leaving them without a way to divert their food waste responsibly. Addressing this issue is critical for improving environmental quality, reducing economic burdens, and promoting equitable access to sustainable waste management solutions.This project will install four high-efficiency in-vessel composters at schools and community sites to process food waste locally, turning it into nutrient-rich compost. Schools will integrate composting and sustainability into their operations, educational programs, and hands-on activities. Community members will also be engaged through workshops, drop-off programs, and outreach efforts. Data on food waste diversion and compost quantity will be tracked to evaluate progress and inform future initiatives. These methods ensure the project's impact is measurable and scalable, offering a model for other communities to follow.This project aims to reduce food waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve soil health through the use of locally produced compost. The project will foster environmental awareness, promote equity by serving disadvantaged populations, and create a replicable framework for sustainable waste management. The ultimate goal is to build a more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious community while addressing broader societal issues like climate change and environmental justice. This initiative has the potential to inspire long-term behavioral changes and policy advancements that benefit both the local and global community.?
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
0%
Applied
0%
Developmental
100%
Goals / Objectives
The overarching goal of this project is to equitably and sustainably divert food waste from Montclair Township's waste stream while engaging and educating the community on the environmental and social benefits of composting. This initiative will establish a scalable, community-based composting model that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, enhances soil health, and addresses environmental justice concerns.To achieve this goal, the project will install high-efficiency Rocket A500 in-vessel composters at strategically selected sites: two elementary schools, andcommunity farm/ garden. These locations have been chosen for their accessibility and potential to serve diverse populations, including renters and low-income residents who often face barriers to composting. By situating the composters in community-centric locations, the project ensures that composting is both equitable and inclusive.The project will divert significant amounts of food waste from municipal solid waste streams and incineration facilities, reducing transportation emissions and tipping fees. Locally produced compost will be used to enhance soil quality, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, and support local agricultural initiatives.An integral part of the project is community engagement and education. Customized curricula and outreach programs will be implemented in schools to teach students the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and nutrient cycling. Outreach efforts will extend to the broader communityto ensure participation across all demographic groups. These efforts aim to foster lifelong sustainability habits while addressing food waste challenges.The project will also directly support environmental justice by reducing pollution in overburdened communities such as the Ironbound neighborhood of Newark, which is disproportionately affected by waste transportation and incineration. By decreasing waste tonnage transported through and incinerated in this area, the project mitigates environmental and health impacts on vulnerable populations.The project is designed to be self-sustaining, with a low-cost, low-tech composting system managed by schools and community volunteers. A sustainable funding model, including permitting and maintenance costs, will be established to ensure ongoing operations. Lessons learned will be shared to promote replication of this model in other communities.To ensure accountability and improvement, the project team will regularly evaluate progress by tracking measurable objectives; measurable objectives are critical for this project as they provide clear benchmarks to evaluate progress, ensure accountability, and demonstrate the project's impact.Measurable Objectives:1. Food Waste Diversion: Total tons of food waste annually diverted from municipal solid waste streams.2. Composting System Installation: Installation and operation of Rocket A500 in-vessel composters at two schools, and community farm/garden.3. Community Engagement: Engagement of at least 1,000 students and community members annually through educational programs and outreach.4. Compost Production: Production of nutrient-rich compost from all diverted food waste for local use in gardens and farms, measured by cubic yard.5. Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Reduction of emissions associated with transporting waste to the incinerator and incineration processes.6. Education and Awareness: Implementation of composting curricula at participating schools. Implementation of food waste management/reduction curricula.7. Participant Tracking: Tracking the number of households participating in community composting.8. Cost Savings: Reduction of waste disposal costs through tipping fee savings. Reduction of fertilizer costs.9. Community Compost Network Expansion: Identification of additional sites and partners to scale the community composting network for future growth.
Project Methods
Project Methodology:The project employs a systematic approach to establish a replicable, sustainable composting model, integrating scientific methods and community-based practices.1. Installation of Composting Systems:a) Identify suitable locations.b) Prepare sites by installing outdoor electrical outlets and protective structures (lean-to shelters) for the composters.c) Purchase and install Rocket A500 in-vessel composters, each capable of processing up to 10 gallons of food waste daily.2. Composting Operations:a) Train site operators, including school staff and volunteers, on daily operations and maintenance of the composters.b) Collect and process food waste using the composters, incorporating wood chips supplied by local tree management companies and the township.c) Cure and store finished compost for local use on public grounds, community gardens and farms.3. Data Collection and Monitoring:a) Weigh food waste daily using digital scales and record quantities.b) Document the volume of food waste diverted and compost produced.4. Community-Based Model Development:a) Design low-cost, accessible compost drop-off programs for residents.b) Collaborate with local organizations to manage community composting efforts.Efforts to Cause Change:The project employs targeted actions to support changes in knowledge, behavior, and conditions.1. Educational Programs:a) Create and integrate a composting curriculum into the science and sustainability programs of participating schools.b) Conduct teacher training workshops to equip educators with the skills and materials needed to teach composting principles.c) Teach students life cycle analysis through composting.d) Design hands-on classroom activities where students learn to sort food waste and understand composting processes.2. Experiential Learning Opportunities:a) Engage students in daily composting tasks, such as sorting food waste and monitoring compost curing.b) Provide community members with on-site demonstrations and opportunities to participate in composting activities.c) Organize open house events at composting sites to showcase the project's processes and benefits.3. Community Outreach and Inclusion:a) Distribute promotional materials and host informational sessions to reach Montclair's diverse population.b) Use social media, newsletters, and local events (e.g., farmers' markets) to promote awareness and participation.c) Partner with local nonprofits and civic organizations to expand outreach efforts and ensure equitable access.Evaluation Plan:The project incorporates a detailed evaluation framework to measure progress, assess impact, and guide continuous improvement.1. Data Tracking:a) Implement a system for tracking of food waste input and compost output at all sites.b) Collect and analyze greenhouse gas reduction metrics using standardized environmental impact assessment tools.c) Record participant numbers at educational events, workshops, and community drop-off programs.2. Milestones and Timelines:a) Install and operationalize composters within the first six months of the project.b) Integrate the composting curriculum into school programs by the end of the first project year.c) Reach 50 participating households in community composting programs by the end of the second project year.3. Quantitative Metrics:a) Measure the volume of food waste diverted.b) Assess the quantity and quality of compost produced and its local applications.c) Evaluate cost savings in waste disposal fees for schools and the township.4. Qualitative Insights:a) Collect feedback of students, educators, and community members to gauge knowledge acquisition and behavior changes.b) Host quarterly project team meetings to discuss challenges, progress, and opportunities for improvement.5. Impact Analysis:a) Assess reductions in pollution and emissions in overburdened communities.b) Track improvements in soil health and local food production through the application of compost.c) Document lessons learned and best practices to support replication of the model in other communities.