RACINE — A new drop-off site to turn food waste into compost is opening soon, thanks to the Racine Interfaith Coalition and Christ Church United Methodist. This second site will be located at the church, 5109 Washington Ave., according to a June 14 press release.
The first drop-off site, located at North Pointe United Methodist Church, 3825 Erie St., opened on April 20. According to RIC’s website, this was the first drop-off site of its kind to begin operation in Racine.
“Since then, participants in the program have diverted nearly a ton (1,940 lbs.) of food waste from landfills,” the press release reads. “The potato peelings, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other accepted waste items are being converted into soil-enhancing compost.”
How does food waste become compost?
The press release explains how the food waste dropped off in this program begins a new life as compost.
“Compost Crusader, a waste management service based in St. Francis, collects the material weekly and transports it to Blue Ribbon Organics, Caledonia, where the compost is produced. The finished product is bagged and sold to build and strengthen soil, such as in vegetable or flower gardens,” the release reads.
According to the press release, Sturtevant has operated a similar composting program since 2019.
How to join the composting program
Households must register in order to participate at the drop-off sites. Participating households must also pay an annual fee of $25 to make out to Racine Interfaith Coalition.
“However,” the RIC website reads, “several free memberships will be available to assist low-income households.”
The program will conclude on Dec. 31, 2024, until or unless the program is renewed.
Below is the downloadable form to fill out and mail to Racine Interfaith Coalition for those wanting to drop off their food waste at North Pointe United Methodist Church. Check the website in July to fill out a form to participate at the new drop-off location (Christ Church United Methodist).
“All households that register before July 15 will be entered in a drawing for four countertop food-waste containers and a bag of finished compost from Blue Ribbon Organics,” the press release reads. “The drawing will be held on Monday, July 15. Winners subsequently will be notified.”
For further information about the program and RIC, visit their website or Facebook page.
Zero Waste Racine is another local environmentally conscious group, which people can join on Facebook. This group has been active on Facebook since 2019.
The importance of taking food out of landfills
Dave Backmann, a member of RIC’s Environmental Justice Task Force, speaks in the press release about how composting creates a more sustainable community.
“An estimated 25% of material placed in landfills is food waste. Keeping this material out of landfills reduces the tipping fees the city must pay to its contracted trash collection companies,” Backmann said. “Also, composting reduces the amount of methane that builds up in landfills. From a global-warming standpoint, methane is much worse for our planet than carbon dioxide.”
Backmann also offers an alternative solution for dropping off food waste: using a kitchen sink’s garbage disposal.
“But,” he said, “garbage disposals use water and are powered by electricity. Composting saves water and electricity while enriching the soil.”
The press release offers another food waste drop-off resource. This location, not affiliated with RIC’s program, exists at the yard at Ninth and Pearl Streets. Contact the city clerk’s office at 262-636-9101 to learn more about this site.
To learn more about Racine Interfaith Coalition’s environmental efforts, contact Dave Backmann at 262-564-9981.
To learn about other resources around Racine, check out our Racine County Community Resource Directory.
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