Castine Selectboard votes to apply for composting grant to distribute backyard kits

The Castine Selectboard voted 3-0 on Jan. 21 to apply for a state waste‑diversion grant to purchase backyard composting kits and run a small demonstration at the transfer station.

Town Manager Derik Goodine told the board the proposal would buy about 40–60 kits from the Northeastern Resource Recovery Association (NRRA) for free distribution on a first‑come, first‑served basis so the town can gauge resident interest before pursuing larger diversion programs. Finance Officer Karen Motycka said the available grant is $6,900 and the town would use in‑kind services as its match; an anonymous donor would also help cover costs, which Selectboard members said would mean no net cost to the town. "This is a step in the right direction," Selectboard member Dan Leader said when the board discussed potential reductions in transfer‑station solid waste.

The board approved a motion by Amy Gutow, seconded by Dan Leader, authorizing the manager to submit the grant application and sign related documents. If awarded, the kits would be distributed locally and staff would solicit user feedback to inform future, larger composting or diversion proposals.

The application deadline was reported as Jan. 31, 2025; the motion did not pledge additional town funds beyond the match and in‑kind contributions. The Selectboard recorded the vote as unanimous and placed the grant application on the Town record. Future steps noted by the manager include arranging distribution logistics and monitoring resident uptake as part of a pilot program.