Franklin commissioners hear update on Canal Walk curbside composting pilot

Franklin Township Environmental Commission members were updated on plans for a curbside food-composting pilot to be staged first at Canal Walk.

Commission members said the Canal Walk management board now controls the pilot. Licensing was not required because organic waste collection is exempt from licensing, but Canal Walk’s insurer and the pilot’s operators amended policies to add the liability coverage Canal Walk required. Commissioners were told that, if timelines hold, collection could begin within a few meetings.

The planned service model presented at the meeting calls for volunteer collectors (a group named “Torres” was identified) to pick up household food scraps in five‑gallon containers and deliver them to Trenton Biogas, a commercial anaerobic digestion facility. The commission was told Trenton Biogas converts organic waste to biogas and accepts material from regional sources. The presenters said more than a dozen households have already expressed interest without a formal outreach push.

Commissioners and members asked about what items are acceptable. The meeting record indicated operators and school partners advised limiting proteins and high‑fat items because they require higher temperatures and longer processing times; participants said the initial guidance will disallow most meats and cheese. The presenters also noted that the facility charges a tipping fee and that program organizers do not receive payment for bringing material to the facility.

Commissioners discussed next steps: Canal Walk will pilot the collection route, and if the pilot succeeds, commissioners said they expect the program could be extended to other Franklin neighborhoods. Staff and commission members said they would publicize a notification when collection begins and provide a contact for residents who want to sign up.

The update was provided as an informational item; no formal township action or directive was recorded at the meeting.