Coral Gables launches compost pilot, expands recycling guidance and highlights plastic‑to‑art efforts

City sustainability staff presented a package of recycling and waste‑diversion updates at the April 14 meeting: an update to the single‑stream guidelines (Waste Management now accepts certain paper and plastic cups), a city recycling flyer aligned with the new rules, and a one‑year pilot compost program in partnership with Renewable that launches April 20 at the Coral Gables Library.

The compost pilot: Residents will sign up for free access to the compost bin (vendor account and lock code); Renewable will collect twice weekly, provide periodic finished compost for city green space and assist with outreach. The pilot budget is modest and staff applied for two grant sources to reduce city cost. Staff will report participation data so commissioners can evaluate expanding collection across the city.

Other actions: The city plans a large recycling drive‑thru on April 25 (electronics, household hazardous waste, paper shredding, film/plastic bags and clothing) and shared examples of upcycled artwork made from ocean plastics to encourage diversion and public‑art opportunities.

Why it matters: Food and organic waste is a major part of landfill methane emissions; the pilot begins a low‑barrier local option for residents to divert food scraps. Aligning guidance with Waste Management reduces contamination and improves marketability of recyclables.

Next steps: Staff will launch the pilot, track participation and contamination rates, and bring a data‑driven recommendation about expansion and funding to a future meeting.