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Little Compton council tables decision on Black Earth Compost contract after cost review and public remarks
Summary
Councilors heard staff numbers showing the municipal compost pilot costs more than landfill disposal offsets, drew objections from residents and school advocates, and voted to table a decision for three months to seek more information and negotiations with the vendor.
The Little Compton Town Council on [date not specified] tabled a decision on whether to suspend or terminate the town's contract with Black Earth Compost after councilors and residents discussed program costs and operational questions.
Councilor Victoria presented cost figures the town clerk's office and public works compiled, saying hauling and collection currently cost about $215 per ton and the landfill-avoidance offset is $63 per ton, leaving a net cost to the town of about $152 per ton. Using weight records through June 27, Victoria said the town had collected roughly 17.73 tons of compostable material this calendar year and projected that pace would cost the town about $2,736 for the year if the current service level continued.
Why it matters: The program is small in dollar terms but symbolic of town priorities — balancing environmental programming with tight municipal finances. Town staff and some councilors said they need to identify whether the service can be renegotiated or made more cost‑efficient before committing further funds.
DPW leadership recommended pausing or terminating the municipal agreement because, as the DPW representative summarized, the service is not fiscally offset by the landfill credits the town receives. The DPW official raised the option of suspending the municipal contract temporarily while exploring alternatives or renegotiation.
Residents and program supporters urged the council not to end the service. Lavinia, a resident who has promoted the program and circulated a petition, said she had gathered more than 80 signatures in recent days and that many residents — including school families — would be “devastated if it wasn't available to them.” She and other residents said the town's school participates in composting and has received environmental grants that reinforce the program's value.
Several residents and councilors suggested intermediate steps rather than termination: improved signage and outreach to increase participation, committee review of procurement or service area boundaries, and direct outreach to Black Earth Compost to seek a lower rate or other adjustments. Councilors also noted private and school contracts with the vendor that could be affected by any municipal action.
After public comment and discussion, a councilor moved to table the matter for three months to allow staff to seek additional information and to continue outreach to the vendor and community. The motion to table carried unanimously.
What’s next: Councilors asked staff to solicit updated proposals from Black Earth Compost, to report on residential uptake and school participation, and to explore whether alternative collection arrangements or regional partners could reduce costs. The council will revisit the item when staff return with more financial detail and vendor responses.
