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The original item was published from 5/20/2019 1:25:29 PM to 5/20/2019 1:32:19 PM.
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Posted on: May 20, 2019[ARCHIVED] EIC Seeks Feedback Regarding Possible Curbside Composting Opportunities
Westmont, Illinois
Date Issued: May 20, 2019
The Westmont Environmental Improvement Commission (EIC) is seeking community feedback regarding the possibility of researching and developing a curbside composting program. In recent years, there have been advancements in curbside composting opportunities and the EIC is interested in gauging community feedback regarding this topic.
“Many people are unaware of the fact that food scraps going into landfills result in the creation of man-made methane gas, which is harmful to the environment,” said Village Trustee and EIC Chair Bruce Barker. “We hope people will take time to fill out this survey and let us know their interest level regarding composting.”
To fill out the survey, click here - SURVEY
The EPA estimates about 30% of household waste is made up of food scraps and yard waste. When buried in a landfill, compostable materials do not break down as they would in nature or in a compost pile. When put in a landfill, these items decompose anaerobically, without oxygen, and in the process become a significant source of human-caused methane released into the atmosphere. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is 28 to 36 times more harmful than CO 2 in regard to trapping heat in the atmosphere. Composting organics, instead of landfilling them, greatly reduces the creation of greenhouse gasses and allows organic materials to decompose and become rich soil that can be used in farms and gardens.
Curbside compost programs allow those who are unable to compost at home the opportunity to divert their food scraps from a landfill. A curbside compost program would allow participants to ‘opt in’ and use a collection cart specifically designated for compost items.
Following are some links to more information regarding this topic:
COMPOSTING INFORMATION FROM EPA SITE
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INFORMATION FROM EPA SITE
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/understanding-global-warming-potentials
AEROBIC & ANAEROBIC DECOMPOSITION INFORMATION FROM ACS
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/2017-2018/october2017/composting-your-trash-natures-treasure.html
For more information regarding the EIC and other environmental topics, contact us at green@westmont.il.gov.
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