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Council OKs $125,000 agreement with Connect to plan wider composting (Soil Mill PGH)
Summary
A grant-funded planning agreement will pay Connect up to $125,000 to help scale Soil Mill PGH composting efforts, prepare a business plan, update a zero-waste plan, and explore a regional approach involving neighboring municipalities.
Council advanced Resolution 24-37 to authorize an agreement with Connect for up to $125,000 to support Soil Mill PGH, the city’s composting planning initiative. City planning staff and program leads described the work as a planning and feasibility phase rather than implementation of curbside compost pickup.
Assistant Director Flor Marion explained that Soil Mill PGH began as a pilot that distributed composting solutions to 300 residents; this phase will update the city’s zero-waste plan, develop a business plan, evaluate site options for compost processing, and coordinate a regional approach in partnership with Connect (a consortium of neighboring municipalities). Afton Giles, a program lead, said the city received prize funds following a US Conference of Mayors award and must transfer part of the grant to Connect as an implementation partner.
Council asked whether the activity will produce a facility or curbside pickup; staff said the agreement is for planning only and will evaluate whether a facility or pickup program is appropriate. The resolution passed with an affirmative recommendation.
Next steps: Connect and city planning will complete feasibility testing, cost analysis, and siting recommendations and share a plan for potential operational models.
