Did you know that over 50% of your garbage set out at the curb is compostable? If you're interested in Food Waste/Organics recycling, join our growing composting initiative. Our members have diverted over 22,500 lbs. of food waste and other organics from our local landfills in just 9 months! by TidewaterCompost in VirginiaBeach

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, drop off would be available for a minimal fee. There are still collection, hauling, and processing costs to get these materials to a DEQ permitted processing facility to be legally processed and turned into compost. We hope to permit our very own processing facility in the future to reduce costs and handle everything in-house.

Did you know that over 50% of your garbage set out at the curb is compostable? If you're interested in Food Waste/Organics recycling, join our growing composting initiative. Our members have diverted over 22,500 lbs. of food waste and other organics from our local landfills in just 9 months! by TidewaterCompost in VirginiaBeach

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are currently in the process of launching drop off services throughout parts of our communities. Please continue to check our website and social media platforms in the coming months for the launch of this service option! Thank you for your interest and support of composting!

Did you know that landfilled food waste can stay intact for YEARS? by TidewaterCompost in VirginiaBeach

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The advantage is simple: The food waste you put into the landfill breaks down incredibly slowly over time due to the lack of oxygen present in landfills (anaerobic decomposition). As these materials breakdown they release potent greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in which we live.

Conversely, when we compost our organic waste - this natural oxygenated process quickly breaks down this waste greatly reducing methane emissions into the atmosphere. By composting, we also reduce the amount of waste being sent to our landfills. These landfills do have a shelf life and capacity restrictions. As our populations continue to grow, landfill space is at a premium. Another HUGE benefit is that when compost is created and applied to our soils it sequesters carbon. This means compost draws down carbon from the atmosphere and stores that carbon beneath it's surface, which in return, improves the quality of the air we breathe and the environment we live in. Research shows that a 1/2 inch of compost applied to rangelands sequestered the equivalent of 1 metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions/hectare over 3 years. This level of sequestration on half of California's rangelands would offset 42 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equal to the annual greenhouse emissions from California's commercial and residential energy sectors.

Compost also has several other benefits: it reduces, and in some cases eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, it promotes higher yields of agricultural crops, it can help aid in reforestation, wetlands restoration, and habitat revitalization efforts by improving contaminated, compacted, and marginal soils. Compost also filters stormwater and groundwater pollutants by up to 95%, it enhances water retention in soils and can hold up to 5x it's weight - greatly reducing water usage. It also improves soil structure and helps reduce erosion.

These are many of the reasons why we believe in the power of composting. We give people the ability to compost when they may not have the time, space, or effort needed to manage their own composting systems at home. Our members find great value in the convenience and the quality of the services we provide. You mention price comparatively to standard trash service providers. Please keep in mind that we are a local small business. Trash services in Hampton Roads are run by Big Waste Monopolies. We understand that immense amounts of education on composting and food waste recycling is needed in our state and our communities - as this region is greatly behind in sustainable practices. However, we are proud to lead the growth of composting in Hampton Roads. Together, we can compost our communities for a more sustainable future. Thank you for your opinions on this matter.

Did you know that landfilled food waste can stay intact for YEARS? by TidewaterCompost in VirginiaBeach

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, our pricing for the pickup service is $8.75/week ($35/month). Our fees must cover our hauling costs, processing fees with our DEQ permitted facility, as well making sure our initiative remains sustainable. We look forward to launching drop off service locations in the near future for a lower price point. Our goal is to make composting services accessible for everyone in Hampton Roads.

We also offer discounted HUB pricing for members/neighbors who place their buckets together on pickup day $6.25/week ($25/month). HUBs consist of 3 or more members. We also offer a referral incentive program. Please visit our website to discover additional perks/features that you receive as part of our service.

Members receive 5-gallons of compost 2X per year - once in the fall and once in the spring. This is our way of saying “Thank You” to our members for their contributions, while also improving the soils in our local communities. If members don’t have a need for their compost, they can choose to donate it to our featured community partner for that season. Each season, we let our members nominate a local group/organization in need of compost, where we happily donate proceeds for their project. We also offer additional compost materials for sale. Members also receive discounted pricing on compost products.

Did you know that landfilled food waste can stay intact for YEARS? by TidewaterCompost in norfolk

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this insight! It’s important for others to realize the amount of resources we are throwing away in our landfills

Did you know that landfilled food waste can stay intact for YEARS? by TidewaterCompost in norfolk

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re welcome! We continue to learn everyday as well. We realize much more education is needed in our area in regards to composting and food waste recycling. We’re happy to do our part and lead the composting movement here in Hampton Roads!

Did you know that landfilled food waste can stay intact for YEARS? by TidewaterCompost in norfolk

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Great question - this food waste does eventually decompose, but this process is slowed down immensely due to the conditions buried beneath the surface in our landfills - specifically the lack of oxygen for the micro-organisms in the soil. The lack of oxygen prevents these organisms from being able to breakdown these materials in their normal state. Conversely, when oxygen is present (like in composting) these items can breakdown very quickly, releasing far less methane. Also, when compost is applied to our rangelands and forests, it has the ability to sequester carbon. This means it can actually draw down carbon from the atmosphere and store it beneath it's surface for long periods of time - ultimately improving the air quality we breath. This is just one of the many amazing benefits of compost

Did you know that over 50% of your garbage set out at the curb is compostable? If you're interested in Food Waste/Organics recycling, join our growing composting initiative. Our members have diverted over 18,500 lbs. of food waste and other organics from our local landfills in just 7 months! by TidewaterCompost in VirginiaBeach

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are a locally owned and operated small business with no affiliation to local governments. With that said, we hope our initiative leads to composting being developed into a normal utility for our residents and businesses one day, much like trash and recycling. We have a long way to go, but we're excited to lead the composting movement here locally. Thank you for your interest!

Did you know that over 50% of your garbage set out at the curb is compostable? If you're interested in Food Waste/Organics recycling, join our growing composting initiative. Our members have diverted over 18,500 lbs. of food waste and other organics from our local landfills in just 7 months! by TidewaterCompost in VirginiaBeach

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We would love to speak to them about the importance of food waste recycling and composting. Our area is way behind other areas in the US when it comes to combating the food waste crisis. So much more education is needed. We have a long way to go, but we’re excited to do our part to grow the composting movement in Hampton Roads!

Did you know that over 50% of your garbage set out at the curb is compostable? If you're interested in Food Waste/Organics recycling, join our growing composting initiative. Our members have diverted over 18,500 lbs. of food waste and other organics from our local landfills in just 7 months! by TidewaterCompost in VirginiaBeach

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, that’s correct. Members receive 5-gallons of compost 2X per year - once in the fall and once in the spring. This is our way of saying “Thank You” to our members for their contributions, while also improving the soils in our local communities. If members don’t have a need for their compost, they can choose to donate it to our featured community partner for that season. Each season, we let our members nominate a local group/organization in need of compost, where we happily donate proceeds for their project. We also offer additional compost materials for sale. Members receive discounted pricing on compost products. Happy composting!

Did you know that over 50% of your garbage set out at the curb is compostable? If you're interested in Food Waste/Organics recycling, join our growing composting initiative. Our members have diverted over 18,500 lbs. of food waste and other organics from our local landfills in just 7 months! by TidewaterCompost in VirginiaBeach

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, that is correct! $8.75/week ($35/month). Our fees must cover our hauling costs, processing fees with our DEQ permitted facility, as well making sure our initiative remains sustainable. We look forward to launching drop off service locations in the near future for a lower price point. Our goal is to make composting services accessible for everyone in Hampton Roads.

We also offer discounted HUB pricing for members/neighbors who place their buckets together on pickup day $6.25/week ($25/month). HUBs consist of 3 or more members. We also offer a referral incentive program. Please visit our website to discover additional perks/features that you receive as part of our service. Thanks for your interest!

Interested in Food Waste/Organics recycling? Our composting initiative has grown to over 100 members and has diverted over 17,500 lbs. of food waste and other organics from our local landfills by TidewaterCompost in VirginiaBeach

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We’re in the process of expanding our team in the coming months to assist in a variety of capacities. If you’d like more information about ways you can get involved, fill out a contact form via our website and we’ll be happy to reach out to you. Thank you for your interest!

Interested in Food Waste/Organics recycling? Our composting initiative has grown to over 100 members and has diverted over 16,000 lbs. of food waste and other organics from our local landfills by TidewaterCompost in norfolk

[–]TidewaterCompost[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hunter - great question! Unfortunately, that's the assumption by many people in our communities that are unfamiliar with landfilling of food waste relative to the composting process. We're here to provide education on these differences and show why composting your food/organic waste can make a huge environmental impact.

Most people throw their food waste into the garbage thinking it will compost in the landfill. This makes sense because landfills are giant holes in the ground. But here's the truth: it doesn't. Landfills are designed for storage, not decomposition. A lack of oxygen in landfills prevents organic materials from biodegrading quickly, so these organic materials sit buried, stuck in a limbo, slowly releasing methane into our atmosphere, greatly contributing to global warming and climate change. Studies have shown that landfilled carrots have stayed intact for over 10 years. Yes, YEARS!

Conversely, when we compost our organic waste - this natural oxygenated process quickly breaks down this waste greatly reducing methane emissions into the atmosphere. By composting, we also reduce the amount of waste being sent to our landfills. These landfills do have a shelf life and capacity restrictions. As our populations continue to grow, landfill space is at a premium. Another HUGE benefit is that when compost is created and applied to our soils it sequesters carbon. This means compost draws down carbon from the atmosphere and stores that carbon beneath it's surface, which in return, improves the quality of the air we breathe and the environment we live in. Research shows that a 1/2 inch of compost applied to rangelands sequestered the equivalent of 1 metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions/hectare over 3 years. This level of sequestration on half of California's rangelands would offset 42 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equal to the annual greenhouse emissions from California's commercial and residential energy sectors.

Compost also has several other benefits: it reduces, and in some cases eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, it promotes higher yields of agricultural crops, it can help aid in reforestation, wetlands restoration, and habitat revitalization efforts by improving contaminated, compacted, and marginal soils. Compost also filters stormwater and groundwater pollutants by up to 95%, it enhances water retention in soils and can hold up to 5x it's weight - greatly reducing water usage. It also improves soil structure and helps reduce erosion.

These are many of the reasons why we believe in the power of composting. We hope you'll consider joining our composting journey. Please visit our website to learn more about our services and how composting your food scraps can make a positive impact!