Canton approves $105,000 contract to expand food‑waste compost pilot

The Canton Township Board of Trustees on Jan. 13 approved a purchase order not to exceed $105,000 to Michigan Consulting and Environmental to run Phase 4 of the township’s food‑waste compost pilot.

Supporters said the program is designed to offer residents another recycling option and to reduce landfill waste. According to township staff, the pilot diverted approximately 200,000 pounds of food waste in 2025 — which the presentation translated as greenhouse‑gas reductions equivalent to the carbon sequestered by about 1,300 trees over 10 years — and the program currently serves just under 1,200 households.

Director Dave Norwood said the township plans to expand participation and involve youth through school pilots and the youth advisory council. “We’re going to do some pilots [in schools] and do another push — it’s growing every year,” Norwood said.

Under the approved Phase 4 scope, residents who opt in will receive household bins and instructions for transport to a composting facility; the consultant will provide project management, staffing and training. Staff said participants will have early access to compost distribution from Public Works and that some compost will be available to the broader public.

The purchase order passed on a voice vote. Township officials said they plan further outreach to boost enrollment and will present additional program details at future study sessions.