Alpharetta seeks $2.15 million state grant to expand decentralized food-waste composting program

Alpharetta staff told council Sept. 8 they plan to apply for a Georgia Environmental Protection Division recycling and waste-diversion grant to expand the city’s decentralized organic waste program, which uses countertop food dehydrators and centralized compost facilities.

Amanda Vasselli, division manager for agriculture and sustainability, described a current pilot serving about 100 households that uses countertop dehydrators that reduce food waste volume by roughly 95% and produce a stabilized, dry material suitable for incorporation into permitted compost operations. The city’s pilot also collects material from participating residents for processing at a city-affiliated farm facility under a state permit-by-rule.

Under the proposed grant, staff would expand the program to about 1,500 households, install larger commercial units at 12 local schools and seek to incorporate a hotel and some restaurants and grocery stores into the diversion network. The requested award amount was stated in the meeting as $2,150,269; staff said the grant would not require a local match if awarded. Council voted to adopt a resolution supporting the grant application and authorized the mayor to execute necessary documents.

Staff noted prior application experience and that consultants would help strengthen this application; the city had applied previously but was not funded. The program is part of the city’s agricultural and sustainability plan goals, including reduced food waste.