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Committee backs quick pursuit of regional composting grant to pilot curbside or backyard composting
Summary
Committee members agreed to pursue a grant managed by Circular Indiana to pilot composting options for Carmel residents, with a committee member and the utility director to meet and finalize next steps.
Carmel 'At its May 27 meeting the Carmel Climate Action Advisory Committee agreed to pursue a regional composting grant that could fund a short-term pilot of home composting or subsidized curbside compost pickup for city residents.
Kelvin, a committee member, outlined the grant opportunity through the US Composting Council and Circular Indiana and said the application is due June 13 and could range from $20,000 to $50,000. He said Circular Indiana would serve as the lead organization and manage the grant if the committee moves forward.
What was proposed: the grant would fund either a subsidy for curbside compost pickup (Kelvin quoted a typical monthly pickup cost of about $20.25) or provide home-composting bins plus training. Kelvin told the committee Circular Indiana 'would be the lead organization for that' and offered to oversee finances for the project if the committee supported the application.
Action agreed: the committee tasked Kelvin and Lane Young, the city's utility director, to meet and assess feasibility and next steps. Kelvin said he would take the lead on the grant application and later confirmed, informally in the meeting, 'It'll be me.'
Why it matters: committee members and staff said residents and neighborhood organizations have repeatedly requested composting options since the city's trash and recycling program changes; members expect public interest and possible opportunities to link the pilot to wider waste-reduction messaging.
Next steps: Kelvin and Lane will meet to coordinate the application and confirm whether Republic Services contract funds can be leveraged; Circular Indiana and volunteer board capacity would manage the grant if accepted. The committee asked staff to circulate the grant materials to members for review.
