Resident group urges Clay County to start organic food‑waste composting; board to study pilot with solid‑waste committee

A member of the Clay County Climate Action Group urged the Clay County Board of Commissioners to consider creating an organic food‑waste composting program, arguing it would extend landfill life, reduce methane emissions and could be supported by state and federal grants.

The speaker, identifying his affiliation with the Clay County Climate Action Group, told the board that food scraps make up ‘‘up to 30%’’ of landfill input and cited nearby Glacial Ridge’s composting facility as a working regional example. He referenced EPA/MPCA organics grant programs (Organics Management Infrastructure and Programming Grants) and said grant awards can range from six‑figure to larger appropriations but typically require significant matches.

Commissioners and staff discussed implementation challenges including collection logistics and higher feasibility for targeting large ‘point producers’ — schools, universities and restaurants — before residential collection. Solid Waste Director Corey Bang was referenced as having reviewed the concept and expressed support for further study. The board asked staff to raise the item with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and directed county social‑services and recycling staff to investigate pilot approaches that start with commercial generators.

The presentation was informational; no formal county funding was approved at the meeting. Commissioners signaled interest in piloting commercial collection and returning with cost estimates and recommended grant targets.