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Energy commission member says Newport’s curbside composting pilot has diverted 64 tons; program aims for 1,500 households
Summary
Emily Conklin told the council the city’s curbside composting pilot—funded by an 11th Hour grant—has enrolled 959 households, diverted roughly 64 tons of compostable material since October and saved about $4,000 in tipping fees; the city is pushing to reach 1,500 households.
Emily Conklin of the Energy and Environment Commission updated the council on Newport’s curbside composting pilot.
Conklin said the program, funded by an 11th Hour grant, offers free weekly curbside pickup for enrolled households and provides bins and liners from Black Earth. She reported 959 households are enrolled so far; since the pilot began in October the city has diverted roughly 64 tons of compostable material, which she estimated equates to about $4,000 in municipal savings on tipping fees. The program’s enrollment goal is 1,500 households.
Council members asked for confirmation of enrollment numbers and how many more households are needed to reach the goal; Conklin confirmed roughly 500 additional households are needed. She encouraged councilors and residents to sign up and noted she has been ‘‘pulling every lever’’ to increase participation.
What happens next: The Energy and Environment Commission will continue outreach to reach the 1,500‑household target and field questions from residents about bins, pickup logistics and pest concerns.
