Envisioning a Decentralized Compost System for Detroit A Framework for Community-Scale Composting
TAUBMAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MAY 2020
ENVISIONING A DECENTRALIZED COMPOST SYSTEM FOR DETROIT Capstone Project – Dept. of Urban and Regional Planning A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning University of Michigan
Capstone Project, May 2020 Master of Urban and Regional Planning Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
TEAM MEMBERS: Sean Burnett David DeBoskey Michael Friese Emily Korman Megan Rigney Anikka Van Eyl Keerthana Vidyasagar Meixin Yuan
INSTRUCTORS:
Lesli Hoey and Eric Dueweke
ENVISIONING A DECENTRALIZED COMPOST SYSTEM FOR DETROIT A Framework for Community-Scale Composting
This project explores the context for establishing a citywide decentralized community-scale composting system in Detroit using three sites, in three different districts, under present and proposed policy.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS WE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE OUR CLIENTS: FoodPLUS|Detroit, and Detroit Future City.
OUR STUDY SITES: Oakland Avenue Urban Farm, Georgia Street Community Collective, and Sherwood Forest.
OUR INTERVIEWEES: We would also like to thank and acknowledge the many people who volunteered their time and expertise to speak with us and aided in the creation of this project.
OUR COLLEGE: Last but not least, we would also like to thank our faculty advisors Lesli Hoey and Eric Dueweke as well as the University of Michigan and Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.
CONTENTS PART I INTRODUCTION
PART II WHAT IS COMPOST?
PART III DETROIT CONTEXT
PART IV STUDY SITES
PART V LOOKING FORWARD
PART VI APPENDICES
02
04
05
06
Purpose
Mission & Goals
Project Team
Methods
10
12
17
Introduction
What is compost?
The Power of Community Composting
26
44
66
People, Place & Compost Capacity
Physical Infrastrucure Policy Analysis for Composting & Environment
Compost Market & Community
102
120
152
134
Oakland Avenue How to plan a site? Georgia Street Community Collective Urban Farm
80
Sherwood Forest
180
194
Recommendations
Conclusion
200
201
205
206
What can go in compost?
Compost Site Inspection Checklist
Process to further Reduce Pathogens
Estimates of Materials and Equipment
PURPOSE
02
MISSION & GOALS
04
PROJECT TEAM
05
METHODS
06
PART I
INTRODUCTION 1
INTRODUCTION 2
INT RODUC T ION
PURPOSE project, the result of a partnership between FoodPLUS|Detroit. As part of a capstone
community members from Detroit and beyond
1
The aim of a capstone is
3
MISSION & GOALS • R FoodPLUS|Detroit to facilitate the development of
• 2
• U of food waste in Detroit and the capacity and
• E environmental, livelihood and social resiliency that • G
• A
• I
4
FoodPLUS|Detroit
INT RODUC T ION
PROJECT TEAM community, and economic development as tools to ensure equitable improvement in the quality of life within Detroit City. Project Role:
The mission of FoodPLUS|Detroit is to facilitate and accelerate a more sustainable metropolitan food system.3 endeavors to help create a system that is socially just,
ADVISORY BOARD Charles Cross University of Detroit Mercy, School Design Center
leaders who envision a healthy and accessible metropolitan food system. Project Role: FoodPLUS|Detroit assisted the team’s
Pier Davis Detroit Future City, Land Use Bruce Evans Buildings Safety and Engineering Department - Zoning, City of Detroit Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy,
DETROIT FUTURE CITY
Erma Leaphart Sierra Club Detroit, Great Lakes Program Kathryn Lynch Underwood Detroit City Planning Commission Whitney Smith
of the quality of life for all Detroiters.4
Renee V. Wallace FoodPLUS|Detroit
5
METHODS RESEARCH
ANALYSIS and drew on methods and tools from peer reviewed
carried out a literature review, document review,
PROPOSAL
RESEARCH 6
ANALYSIS
PROPOSAL
INT RODUC T ION
ENDNOTES
Agenda
Mission Detroit Future City: Mission
PHOTO CREDITS Part I Int
7
8
INTRODUCTION
10
WHAT IS COMPOST?
12
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY COMPOSTING
17
PART II
WHAT IS COMPOST?
WHAT IS COMPOST?
WH AT IS C OM P OS T ?
INTRODUCTION In the United States, food scraps are almost
1
costs.
11
WHAT IS COMPOST? As one community composter explained, “compost is how nature recycles.�2
8
In
3
becomes mature and ready for use.
4
TYPES OF COMPOSTING passive and
5
for the NYC Compost Project and collaborator with 11
Passive, or cold,
A = mesophilic B = thermophilic C = mesophilic
160
(also referred to as
bacteria thrive the most. Psychrophilic bacteria (not
Temperature (Fo)
compost material from outside the pile to the inside. All material should be heated in the middle.
140 120 100 90 70
ACTIVE PHASE
CURING PHASE
A
C
50 6
shorter.7
12
B
D
Time
HOW COMPOST IS MADE 12
WH AT IS C OM P OS T ?
Moisture is necessary for microbes to live.15 But if
thrive. But, on the other hand, too much water can more brown material. A compost pile that has the 16
17
dormant. The compost pile is then anaerobic and can 18 13
when the pile is turned. 14
releases heat in the center of the compost pile.
have air in them. A way to measure porosity, or how
• Raw Material •
• Minerals • •
• • Water CO2 Heat
O
O Microorganisms
Compost Pile
13
Certain brown materials, such as wood chips, act as
COMPOSTING AT ANY SCALE T and carbon. Carbon primarily serves as a source of carbon dioxide (CO2
Home Composting 21
Typically carried out in a container or tumbler, home for food scrap diversion or desire to produce compost 22
the excess carbon converts to CO2; this reduces the
are limited in their capacity or scope to expand, and
Centralized Composting nutrients typically found in compostable materials include phosphorus, potash, and others. Aerobic
14
23
WH AT IS C OM P OS T ?
Historically these systems focused primarily on yard local resource recovery.26,27 24
Community-Scale, Decentralized Composting 25
Hierarchy to Reduce Food Waste and Grow Community Prevention. Do not generate food waste in the first place! Reduce portions, buy what you need, and organize your fridge for optimal food usage. Feed hungry people. Divert food not suitable for people to animals such as backyard chickens or to local farmers’ livestock. Composting in backyards or in homes. Avoid collection costs! Onsite composting or anaerobic digestion, and community composters can accept material from off-site or simply process their own material. Composting or anaerobic digestion at the small town or farm scale. These systems handle typically between 10 and 100 tons per week and are designed to serve small geographic areas. Facilities serving large geographic areas that typically handle more than 100 tons per week. Material generally leaves the community in which it is generated. Mixed garbage is mechanically and biologically processed to recover recyclables and reduce waste volume and the potential for methane emissions before landfill disposal. Food waste should be banned from landfills and trash incinerators due to their high capital costs, pollution, and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
15
resource recovery.28
and many more. businesses. 31
CORE COMMUNITY COMPOSTING PRINCIPLES •
Resources recovered composted.
•
Locally based and closed loop
•
Organic materials returned to soils
•
Community-scaled and diverse
•
Community engaged, empowered, and educated
community resource. •
16
Community supported
WH AT IS C OM P OS T ?
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY COMPOSTING
policies, the study conducted by ILSR in Maryland the environment, the local economy and the local community.
ENVIRONMENT
to increase.
Save Money in Landfill Tipping Fees
35
The State of
36,37
watershed balance. 32,33
services.
LOCAL ECONOMY Create Employment Opportunities Compost processes are more labor intensive than other waste removal jobs and thus provide more
38
value out of products deemed as waste. sustain more total jobs than the state’s three trash incinerators combined, which handle double the 34
17
scraps per year. their food waste from the waste stream, thereby
services, and resources, these systems foster a closed loop economy, where money circulates within the 42
Enhance educational opportunities
Recover Resources
43
I land space, food scraps and materials can be combined to turn into compost within months. As we nished compost has several 41
Foster Local Leadership and Advocates R
LOCAL COMMUNITY others in their community have.44 These “compost
Strengthen community collaboration and social resilience
CONCLUSION T
on support from local residents and businesses to
18
WH AT IS C OM P OS T ?
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY COMPOST
Enhance Carbon Sequestration Compost helps capture CO2
CO2 CO2
Use Compost as Fertilizer
Remediate Soil Compost helps to balance the nutrients in the soil and
Improve Water Quality
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY COMPOST Save Landfill Cost waste system
Recover Resources Food scraps can be processed into compost
Create Employment Opportunities
WH AT IS C OM P OS T ?
COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY COMPOST
Fosters Local Leadership and Advocates
Enhance educational opportunities
Strengthen Community Collaboration and Social Resilience 21
ENDNOTES Wasted Food Programs and Resources Across the United States [Overviews and Factsheets]. State of 2. Levi Gardner of Urban Roots, Grand Rapids, MI, personal Yes! In My Backyard: Reliance. 4.
USDA ,
The System Loop and Solving Our Waste Crisis
.
BioCycle
Posters: Compost Impacts More Than You Think
pdf Maryland to Reduce Waste, Create Jobs, and Protect the Bay.
. 15. (
18. (
22
WH AT IS C OM P OS T ?
Frost and Sinclair Broadcast Group
Compost use for landscape and environmental enhancement.
PHOTO CREDITS P F
F
23
24
PEOPLE, PLACE & COMPOST CAPACITY
26
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT
44
POLICY ANALYSIS FOR COMPOSTING
66
COMPOST MARKET & COMMUNITY
80
PART III
DETROIT CITYWIDE CONTEXT 25
PEOPLE, PLACE, & COMPOST CAPACITY 26
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
HISTORY OF COMPOSTING IN DETROIT AND BEYOND
Terra Preta do Indio 1
2
3
4
5
6
27
The Detroit Land Bank Authority
DETROIT FUTURE CITY’S FUTURE LAND VISION
15
7
THE DETROIT LAND BANK AUTHORITY AVAILABLE LAND
11
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
16
DETROIT’S CITYWIDE COMPOSTING POTENTIAL •
17
Community-
•
•
Table 1. Organic Waste in Michigan, 2015 Category Total Municipal Waste Volume (tons) Overall Organic Waste Rate
Value
ESTIMATING ANNUAL FOOD WASTE CAPTURE & GENERATION Residential food waste capture at the citywide & census tract level
Food Scrap Generation
258 lb/person/year
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
FIGURE 2. CITYWIDE FOOD SCRAP GENERATION 88,382 tons of Food Scraps
Total Annual Food Scrap 186 283 396 749 0 0.5 1
2 0 0.5 1
3
4 2
Miles
3
4
±
±
Miles Source: American Community Survey 2013-2017 5-Year Estimate Source:
American Community Survey 2013-2017 5-Year Estimate
31
Rate
City of Minneapolis 15% (2015)a
Rate
43% (2016)b
69% in three pilot boroughs (2016)e
2-10% **
4 lbs/HH/week (2016)b > 44% (2016)c --
6-13 lbs/HH/week (2016)e > 95% (2005)f --
3-4 lbs/HH/ week ** 11% (2016)g --
Food Waste Capture
Rate Recycling Rate
New York City
City of Detroit
State of Michigan
21% (2017)d
--
17% (2015)h ---15% (2015)h
Table 2
Annual Residential Food Waste Capture
32
=
Number of households * percent participation * amount per week * 52 weeks per year / 2000 lbs per ton
2,688 tons/yr
403 tons/yr
10% of Households 4 lbs/Household/Week
2% of Households 3 lbs/Household/Week
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
FIGURE 4. POTENTIAL RESIDENTIAL FOOD SCRAP CAPTURE
5 11 16 21 27 0 0.5 1
2 0 0.5 1
3
4 2
Miles
3
±
4
Source: American Community Survey 2013-2017Miles 5 Year
±
Source: American Community Survey 2013-2017 5 Year
33
Commercial & Institutional Food Waste Generation & Capture
21
• • •
FIGURE 5. COMMERCIAL & INSTITUTIONAL FOOD SCRAP CAPTURE VOLUME BY CATEGORY (TONS)
Middle Schools (G6-8) 485 tons Elementary Schools (Grades 1-5) 759 tons
34
317 tons
288 tons
High Schools (G9-12) 256 tons
Hospitals 671 tons
Grocery Stores 161 tons (minimum)
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
FIGURE 6. COMMERCIAL & INSTITUTIONAL FOOD SCRAP CAPTURE
0 ton < 4 tons 0 0.5 1 < 6 tons < 9 tons Source: < 321 tons 0 0.5 1
Grocery Stores Hospitals 2
3
4 Miles
±
Schools and Colleges
American Community Survey 2013-2017 5 Year Estimate Data Driven Detroit, 2 3 Grocery 4 Stores, 2015 Detroit Open Data Portal, All Schools,2018-19, Hospitals, 2019 Miles Google Map, Correction Facilities, 2020
±
Source: American Community Survey 2013-2017 5 Year
35
Generator Type
Metric
Elementary School Middle School High School College
Hospitals Restaurants & Cafeterias Grocery Stores
AN INTRODUCTION TO EPAs WARM TOOL
26
36
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
ESTIMATING THE IMPACTS OF A COMMUNITY COMPOSTING SYSTEM QUANTIFYING THE IMPACTS et.al An
Impact Carbon emission
• •
Disposal cost • 3
3
• •
The Social Cost of Carbon
37
ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC & SOCIAL IMPACTS 8,518 tons
Legend
Per Year
3,318 tons
“High Estimate”
Per Year
“Low Estimate”
Annual Residential, Commercial, & Institutional Food Scrap Capture
6,767 tons
$307,050
2,635 tons
$11,960
Per Year
Per Year
Per Year
Reduction in Annual Carbon Emissions
Per Year
Social Costs Saved from Reduced Carbon Emissions
$99,540
$253,375
$255,540
$650,465
Per Year
Per Year
Per Year
Tipping Fees Avoided
Per Year
Fertilizer Costs Saved
Category
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
ESTIMATING CAPACITY OF A DECENTRALIZED COMPOSTING SYSTEM
Value 2
2
Number of windrows the site can accommodate
Windrow Volume
32
FIGURE 7. CITYWIDE FOOD SCRAP PROCESSING POTENTIAL 9,377 tons/yr 3,751 tons/yr 4% of DLBA-Owned Vacant Parcel Land
10% of DLBA-Owned Vacant Parcel Land
No data 28 34 0 0.5 1
0 0.5 1
2
41 147 3
2
4
3
Miles
± ±
4
Miles
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
LIMITATIONS OF OUR MODEL
41
ENDNOTES Sustainability
A Contemporary View
Community Partnership
Parcels
42
PHOTO CREDITS DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
TABLE CREDITS
43
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT 44
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME FOR A RESOURCE REVOLUTION Each year, an average of 30-40% of food and trash incinerators receive 167 million tons of garbage each year. Over 50% of this garbage is considered compostable when factoring in food scraps, paper/paperboard, yard trimmings, and wood waste. This leads to large amounts of methane released into the atmosphere; as food scraps are among methane.1 garbage and recycling services, but
Michigan currently possesses one of the
solid waste composted or recycled.2 Just over 1% of all waste from eligible households is recycled despite increasing recycling
of the food scraps generated by residents, 45
4
(see
WHY NOW?
the
in 2017.5 This plan
for an improved waste management system with their 6
engagement plan to uncover that 67% of residents States.3 7
This desire to improve waste management has valuable resources. In 2013, stakeholders from In response, one of the ten overarching goals in the
goals is Zero Waste,
CLEAN, CONNECTED NEIGHBORHOODS
GOAL #7
REDUCE WASTE SENT TO LANDFILLS
ACTION 30 Launch residential composting pilot program
46
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
TRANSFORMING THE WASTE MANAGEMENT LANDSCAPE Growing interest in resource recovery is clearly stated in the voluntary recycling program.12 2014.13 Residents can receive a recycling bin one of three ways: already begun to transform in recent years. The waste
•
Purchase a bin for $25 from their waste management provider14
• recycling bin • receive a free recycling bin15 waste disposal service providers: Green For Life Both providers provide refuse, recycling, bulk, and weekly, while bulk, recycling, and yard waste services
launched a widespread recycling campaign that aligned with Sustainability 16
RESOURCE PARADIGM SHIFT
streamlining waste management service in order 10
infrastructure, evidence has shown that low
a higher level of service for residents so we can do 11
program could follow in line with the strengthening Today, any resident that lives in a single-family home
47
country.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT OF DETROIT degraded soil quality, a variety of soil and water and elevated pH levels.22 surface throughout the city. businesses, residents, and municipal departments
anthrosediment is common.23
network of green stormwater infrastructure projects, urban agriculture sites, and community-driven land.24 Below, we describe these environmental challenges combined sewer system, meaning that it carries address them.
with stormwater during wet weather with a single 25
thousands of businesses in Southeast Michigan use this system, sending their wastewater down the drain mortar, and brick and glass.20 reveals elevated pH levels and low organic carbon,
26
21
on the system.27
the combined sewer system, causing basement
invoke a similar response in part due to the amount of impervious surfaces. 30
Further, as per the 2012
climatology study conducted by the Great Lakes equivalent.31 Therefore, there is a pressing need to risk, especially to low income households in urban areas, due to heat waves and temperature surges.
the coming years and take sustainable steps towards equitably remedying the environment.
42%
of Detroit is impervious surface area which increases stormwater runoff
5%
DOWNSPOUT
CATCH BASIN
COMBINED SEWER OUTFALL
untreated sewage enters Detroit and Rouge Rivers
ROUGE RIVER
BUILDING SEWER CONNECTION
DETROIT RIVER
COMBINED SEWER
TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
SEWER REGULATOR
PUBLIC WATERWAY
138 CSOs RECORDED in 2015
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
Increased heat also calls for more electricity that is
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF COMPOST WATER Impaired water quality means a greater dependence 32
This results in a broken hydrological
and degrades pollutants, improving overall water
other contaminants, thus reducing their leachability
40
33
pollutants when added to soil, along with many other 34
CO2
processes.41 These include both soil and water
CH3 CFCs
IMPROVED SOIL HEALTH
CARBON SEQUESTRATION • • • •
50
The role of compost in
Increases humus content Formation of soil aggregates Higher ability to store carbon Ability to decrease GHG emissions
• • •
Increases organic matter content in the soil Increases microbial activity Better nutrient release for plants
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
ecological balance. Blue-green stormwater infrastructure is considered an important method for urban stormwater systems, designed to improve water quality and protect source water.42 The most common system used to mimic the water cycle is
in the soil, thereby reducing their leachability and
are broken down by microorganisms present in compost, which consequently decreases leaching and Other types of green infrastructure which play a role
on the type of contaminant and the amount of soil to be treated.
CLIMATE to indirectly reduce GHG emissions and directly sequester carbon.44,45 Methane is said to have 56 46,47
stormwater and aids in ecological balance.43
decreases GHG emissions that would otherwise be released from decomposing organic materials at
SOIL
to compost, are a valuable source of nutrients to soil and possess the ability to sequester carbon further decreasing greenhouse gasses in the air. pH levels and lack of biodiversity.35 compost provides the soil with humus that stores
nutrients and organic humus-like compounds that enable the soil to store carbon in a stable humus into the air. Therefore, compost has the ability to
36
also results in soil aggregates which have a high ability to store carbon. Nutrients needed for plant growth such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur are slowly released by compost into the soil, which decreases the chance of nutrient loss through
sequestering carbon and improving soil health.
37
environment for plants and even has the ability to suppress certain soil-borne plant pathogens. By
51
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMPOST USE IN DETROIT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT be used in many projects already underway, including 50,51
For the past several years, 52,53
This can greatly impact stormwater
capacity as well as completed landscaping, tree
locally-sourced compost.
BACKFILL REQUIREMENTS
GREEN ROOFS
using compost for
using compost for green roofs helps reduce stormwater runoff and decrease the burden on the sewer system.
amendment increases soil fertility and runoff management.
COMMON GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE USES: BIOSWALES using compost as for the top layer in a swale for the plants to grown in
RAIN GARDENS using compost to amend soil for rain gardens increases water retention of the soil.
52
54,55
pollutants.63
loads.56
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
Compost blanket: 2-inch loosely covered layer of compost applied
Drainage Charge 57
and Rouge Rivers based on the amount of impervious the combined sewer system.64 This fee helps pay for 61
65,66,67
, Research in North Georgia has shown compost applied to the soil surface, in the form of a
The drainage fee is charged to parcels based on the amount of impervious surface on the property and
rainfall event, and in a similar study at the green credits. absorbed 100% of a 3-inch rainfall event for
they have redirected their downspouts to run onto their lawn instead of directly into the sewer.
62
These methods use compost to improve water quality by reducing the amount of stormwater that will enter
combined sewer system by installing rain gardens or other similar green stormwater infrastructure projects. Five million dollars in funding are allocated
receive up to a 50/50 match for green stormwater 53
HARD SURFACE (IMPERVIOUS ACRE)
PROJECTED DRAINAGE CHARGE
Less than 0.02
$0.00
Drainage charge is collected based on the amount of impervious surface area on the property
0.02
$9.03
0.03
$13.55
0.04
$18.06
0.05
$22.58
0.06
$27.09
0.07
$31.61
0.08
$36.12
0.09
$40.64
0.1
$45.15
0.2
$90.30
0.3
$135.45
0.4
$180.60
0.5
$225.76
infrastructure projects.70 73
program to ensure city parcels are more equitably
gray infrastructure to absorb stormwater. To treat
residents complained about the increase in their controversy.71 Residents currently receive a 25%
million annually.74
reduce their bills.72 River.75
surface and green credits.
dollars into GSI projects as an alternate method to 76
Green Stormwater Infrastructure 77
plants and soil replicates natural systems to reduce
54
untreated combined sewage from entering the Yet the 5% that remains
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
Recent years observed tremendous growth in GSI
standard for untreated sewer system discharges. Since 2013, a total of 203 green stormwater infrastructure projects have been recorded in the private, and community stakeholders, managing in total over 630 acres and over 360 million of gallons annually. infrastructure includes a wide range of systems, including rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, rain
work is underway to develop a Green Stormwater
and ecosystem outcomes. In order to obtain green credits, many GSI projects have certain general standards to abide by, while Other mandates require
203
TOTAL NUMBER OF RECORDED GSI PROJECTS
Disconnected Impervious Downspout Disconnection Bioretention System Multiple Systems Residential Rain Garden Water Harvesting Bioswale
Permeable Pavement Green Roof All stormwater stays on site Surface Detention Stormwater/Constructed Wetlands Subsurface Detention Subsurface
55
accountability for the amount of impervious surface
of the Rouge, the program currently has funding to cover the cost of compost for rain gardens developed
an opportunity to require locally sourced compost. 47,000 gallons of rain water per rain event. Most importantly, by using compost, it can spawn budding entrepreneurs and help close the loop of
$33-$36 a cubic yard, with a fee of $75 per delivery. the delivery of compost, about 163 yard3 are needed
Rain Gardens One type of green stormwater infrastructure that provides an immediate opportunity for a community-
instead spent within city bounds.
for smaller lots, like residences. They consist of a depressed area with an amended soil or soil
ROOF GUTTER Rain gardens are often located at the end of a roof gutter or downspout as a buffer between the lawn and the street.
, a program funded by the RAIN GARDEN Use native plants is highly recommended because they have adapted to living in our local climate, soil and ecosystem.
obtain all necessary materials at no cost, and are taught both how to build one and how to teach others how to make them to share with their local community under a teach-the-teacher model. Through , those with clay soil must replace 1 to 3 feet of topsoil with a
providing a necessary ingredient to amend the soil to meet its intended purpose. the program is sourced from Bushel Mart in Livonia, nearly 20 miles from a previous distributor, which unfortunately closed.
56
BERM
WATER FLOW from the downhill edge. A berm, which is a gentle rise along the bottom and sides of thegarden, will help keep in the water. -
100
standards for community-scale compost processors to
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
for Salmon, a set of standards for compost-based low impact development. These are now being volume of available compost would likely increase 101
could be ensured of demand for compost, and thus, more may readily launch their own community-scale
set of standards regarding use of compost for any new development. way improvement and street redesign projects.
This ordinance aims to hold property owners and developers accountable
compost market due to it specifying the use of compost for highway maintenance projects.102,103
impervious surface. ordinance to eager entrepreneurs, everyone can
and uses several hundred cubic yards of compost and mulch every year, using compost primarily for erosion
budding producers with large, consistent buyers, removing risk for those entering the market.
when partnered with stakeholders in the future. The municipality already displayed interest in a similar
MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS projects currently in its work, including landscaping,
104
as a passive green stormwater infrastructure space. In order to properly implement this use, more research
improvements, and more. Each of these pose a unique opportunity to use locally sourced compost.
from soil amendments with compost to help trees working to establish development standards that align green building guidelines for new developments
105,106
57
Demolitions
green stormwater infrastructure space, providing reducing its impact on the combined sewer system, 107
the environment. one study found that: under a 3-inch/24-hour period storm, a typical
completed. topsoil. 110,111
stormwater management pond, the compost was a reported $6,000 increase in the cost of a single 112 Reasons for this large increase included the scarcity of uncontaminated dirt and higher trucking costs, among
accommodate an increased volume of water.121
replace the topsoil for projects. Yes, it could be costly, material.113 cost a contractor could charge for dirt from $3,000 for larger houses, and $2,000-$2,500 for typical
122
114
Policy 115
These high prices and contaminated
to be further research into the amount of compost
gap in supply. quality or pricing.116,117 Long-term, there lies tremendous opportunity to use compost as a topsoil amendment or applied as a compost blanket. By using compost in
Compost Tea beyond the typically standard compost recipe of 1
• Reduces odor • • Reduces bulk density • Even without biochar, compost has the remarkable ability to improve soil quality and clean water of contaminants, thus a crucial component to
recipe is compost tea, a liquid developed from using a brewing process.123 sprayed on soil to improve soil health, increase water
ENSURE DEMAND FOR LOCAL COMPOST
Biochar enhances the ability to absorb and hold stormwater, 124
Minneapolis is a strong advocate of the use and
consistent market for compost.131,132,133 the supply chain of compost would generate new jobs and economies.134
125
aligning with their overarching goals as declared in 135
more than 200 researchers worldwide developed to
By focusing on the areas where people are most
warming.126,127
• • •
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions Prevents loss nutrients in the compost material
to ending the import of compost into the city and thereby reducing the carbon footprint by miles within the city.
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
EXPAND THE POWER OF COMPOST
CONCLUSION in greenhouse gas emissions of 163,000 tons.137 In
(see To successfully apply community-scale
to compost, and then applied to the land, compost has the power to sequester carbon as a carbon sink instead.136
60
support to reach the highest resource recovery
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
ENDNOTES 16. overlooked driver of climate change.
.
the-recycling-partnership-award-more-than-2m-in-record-
and-sewerage-department/stormwater-management-anddrainage-charge sustainability-april-21/ 4.
Climate geology/ 21.
schedule-changes-some-residents . Land and
.
.
61
Reliance.
org/compost-impacts-posters/
.
web/html/bmp.html
. Minnesota
environments for stormwater management. ,5
com/en
. 12.
water-and-sewerage-department/stormwater-management-anddrainage-charge/drainage-charge
62
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
Fact
michiganradio.org/post/detroit-s-controversial-drainage-fee-andmichigan-s-struggles-fund-stormwater-infrastructure
. state-dots/ department/stormwater-management-and-drainage-charge/ green-infrastructure-projects
glwater.org/cso/
documents/highwy3a.pdf
detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-building-authority/detroit-
to-the-rescue/ 2020
org/greatlakes/downloads/RainGardenGuide.pdf
63
PHOTO CREDITS detroits
bioswale
. make-compost-tea
environment/biochar 126.
in-your-soil/
what-is-biochar/
64
65
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
POLICY ANALYSIS FOR COMPOSTING 66
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
ZONING AND LAND-USE IMPLICATIONS OF COMPOSTING
67
COMPOSTING AT THE STATE LEVEL
2
PART 115
68
7
PART 31
3
4
8
Part 24: Biosolids Rule of Part 31
PART 303
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
PART 85
• Source-separated material
• The amount of compostable material
PART 55
PROPOSED STATE AMENDMENTS TO PART 115
THE PROBLEM WITH LANDFILL TIPPING FEES
• Class 1 includes:
LEARNING FROM OHIO COMPOSTING REGULATIONS • Class 2 includes:
70
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
NREPA
Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act
PART 31
PART 85
PART 55
Water Resources Protection
Fertilizer
Air Pollution Control
PART 24
PART 115
PART 303
Land Application of Biosolids
Solid Waste
Wetlands protection
COMPOSTING AT THE COUNTY LEVEL •
•
•
•
•
•
•
72
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
LEARNING FROM ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA
•
•
•
• •
SECTION 235
Wayne County Solid Waste Ordinance
20
ADDRESSES: Site restrictions of composting facilities
Section 235 of the Solid Waste Ordinance establishes the requirements and procedures for operating composting facilities within the County
DOES NOT ADDRESS: What can/can’t be composted & quantities
73
COMPOSTING AT THE CITY LEVEL
22
(See Proposed Amendment to Part 115
23
24
City of Detroit Zoning Code 74
Section 61-16-131 of the current code
LEARNING FROM THE CITY OF CHICAGO
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
I
• • •
26
•
•
• • • •
28
• •
F Having proper
• 27
CONCLUSION LESSONS LEARNED FROM INTERVIEWS
32
• • 33
• 34
COUNTY - LEVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
•
STATE - LEVEL RECOMMENDATIONS • • as including a paragraph in an amended ordinance 30
• •
76
•
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
36
•
• 37,38
CITY - LEVEL RECOMMENDATIONS •
•
• Best
CITY LEGISLATION RECOMMENDATION FOR COMPOSTING:
INDUSTRIAL USE Compost processing limited to industrial areas
AGRICULTURAL USE Compost processing locations expanded
77
•
• 40
• • •
ENDNOTES
78
Compost
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
PHOTO CREDITS
COMPOST MARKET & COMMUNITY STEPS TOWARDS A CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM 80
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
INTRODUCTION
81
COMPOST PRODUCTS, BUYERS, AND MARKETING COMPOST PRODUCTS
9
10 1
MARKETING STRATEGIES 2
3 11
4
5
Physical Infrastructure and the Environment.
POTENTIAL BUYERS 12
Table 1 8
82
Target Population
Benefits • •
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
Table 2
Challenges •
16
•
•
• •
• • •
•
•
83
THE STP & STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS MODEL 1.
2.
3.
4.
18
84
Benefits
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
Market Strategy
Challenges •
• • • •
• • •
•
• •
•
• •
• • • • •
• •
• • • • • • •
• • •
85
METRO-DETROIT COMPOST MARKET ASSESSMENT
19
IV
Figure 1
20
21
Physical Infrastructure and Environment
86
Figure 1
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
PROFITABILITY ESTIMATES OF COMPOST HOW TO PRICE COMPOST 22
23
29 24
30
28
88
Price Per Cubic Yard
Type
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
PRICING COMPOST IN THE DETROIT MARKET
Price Per Pound
Geographic Region 44 45
Table 3
31 46 32
EXPANSION CONSIDERATIONS
Table 4
89
47
Spread Depth
Application Rate (Tons per Acre) 8.4 16.81 33.61 50.42 67.22 100.83 134.44 201.67
1½
Yards per Acre
0.02 0.04 0.08 0.12 0.15 0.23 0.31 0.46
0.04 0.08 0.15 0.23 0.31 0.46 0.62 0.93
0.19 0.39 0.77 1.16 1.54 2.31 3.09 4.63
0.39 0.77 1.54 2.31 3.09 4.63 6.17 9.26
1.93 3.86 7.72 11.57 15.43 23.15 30.86 46.3
3.86 7.72 15.43 23.15 30.86 46.3 61.73 92.59
7.72 15.43 30.86 46.3 61.73 92.59 123.46 185.19
8.4 16.81 33.61 50.42 67.22 100.83 134.44 201.67
16.81 33.61 67.22 100.83 134.44 201.67 268.89 403.33
39
35
36
40
38
90
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
Appendix 41
42
43
ROOTING REVENUE IN COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
48
49
91
Total
Start-Up (Year 0)
Land
1000
$9.00
$9,000.00
10
$50.00
$500.00
1
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
5
$10.00
$50.00
$2,750.00
$0.00
1
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
100
$1.00
$99.96
5
$200.00
$1,000.00
10
$10.00
$100.00
5
$10.00
$50.00
Total
167
$12.31
$2,055.77
166
$16.15
$2,680.90
167
$20.52
$3,426.84
167
$24.84
$4,148.28
166
$41.04
$6,812.64
167
$49.68
$8,296.56
5000
$0.50
$2,500
Total
Expenses
Tax
92
100
$0.15
$15.00
30
$10.00
$300.00
100
$9.00
$900.00
15
$10.00
$150.00
15
$221.00
$3,314.99
15
$2.50
$37.50
12
5.5
66
2
30000
60000
1
$3,380.00
Value
(10% n.d.)
1,000
Rate)
Total $12,799.96 $27,420.99 Fees) $329,051.88 $356,472.87 $64,783.49 $278,889.42 $291,689.38
(pp. 90). Newspaper Ads
2
Same Day Custom Flyers.
93
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
10,000
50
54
51
52
55
56
53
94
This helps
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
THINKING CREATIVELY ABOUT EXPANDING 62
59
60
EXPAND COMMUNITY EDUCATION & OUTREACH
63
64
65
61
66
The
95
PICK-UP AND COLLECT FOOD SCRAPS 68
69
96
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
CONCLUSION
URBAN ROOTS: YOUR COMPOST PICK-UP SERVICE
• • • • • •
ENDNOTES Compost Turning Machine Market to Grow US$ 150 Million by 2028 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Future Market Insights
Soil and Plant Amendments
The shocking truth about topsoil Green Infrastructure Plan for the Upper Rouge Tunnel Area
Green Infrastructure Projects
Compost and Mulch The price is right: How to sell your compost
Compost Cost Guide
health - Compost or manure?
Garden Soil and Top Soil Doing the dirty work
98
DET ROIT C IT Y WIDE C ONT EX T
Money
Zero Waste Event Services
About Urban Roots
and Solving Our Waste Crisis
Food Community in the Farm-to-Fork Capital
Analysis of U.S. Food Waste Among Food Manufacturers, Retailers, and Restaurants
Reliance.
Recycling Extension Master Composters
99
100
HOW TO PLAN A SITE
102
GEORGIA STREET COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE
120
OAKLAND AVENUE URBAN FARM
134
SHERWOOD FOREST
152
PART IV
STUDY SITES 101
HOW TO PLAN A SITE 102
S T UDY S IT ES
CURRENT STATE OF COMPOSTING
(see Detroit?
103
in Compost Market and Community Physical Infrastructure and Environment
104
S T UDY S IT ES
SUITABLE CONDITIONS •
5
•
HOW TO PICK A SITE
6
• •
7
• 1
• 2
WHAT ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT?
• 3
• 4
Site Considerations
Compost Market and Community, 105
ENVIRONMENTAL • • • • •
REGULATORY
SITE PLACEMENT •
•
•
• • •
•
• •
COMMUNITY PREFERENCES • •
106
•
S T UDY S IT ES
•
•
•
• who are the
•
Compost
•
107
13
• • • • • • 10
•
14
SITE DESIGN 11
• 12
• •
S T UDY S IT ES
TACKLING EDUCATION & BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
15
Teaching Best Management Practices
16
Grass
leaves
leaves
110
S T UDY S IT ES
21
17
22
People, Place, and Compost Capacity
23
General Site Management
111
GENERAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
112
S T UDY S IT ES
24
30
25
31
Controlling Rats (and Other Animals)
32 26
33
27
34
35
113
(see
Controlling Odors 36
What is Compost? 37
114
S T UDY S IT ES
40
BEST RAT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
115
45
46
41 42
Appendix
43
44
116
47
S T UDY S IT ES
BEST ODOR MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
117
ENDNOTES Yes! In My Backyard:
Diseases 2020)
Successful Rat
Guidelines for Urban Community
PHOTO CREDITS S T UDY S IT ES
GEORGIA STREET COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE 120
S T UDY S IT ES
WHY GEORGIA STREET COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE? Started by Mark Covington in 2008, The is located in a neighborhood near Harper
and garbage, but today envisions a space 1
GCSS provides health through community gardens and teaches
library which provides youth a safe place to to â&#x20AC;&#x153;rebuild and sustain their community one house, one block, and one neighborhood at a 2 GSCC also hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, many of which 3
contain a space where community members 4
121
status as a community garden and community center, will describe the surrounding community, how
WHAT MAKES GSCC UNIQUE
three-level compost system is a replicable model for The GSCC is deeply embedded within the surrounding
both within and without the community to make only for the local community but also for larger social embeddedness makes it an ideal space to grow community-based programs, including a
space, is not densely populated, which makes it
5
122
123
S T UDY S IT ES
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
lower than the average household income of Detroit
CURRENT COMPOST OPERATIONS
GSCC
Current Compost Capacity
THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY community garden and surrounding land owned by
Compost Partners
26,811 residents live within three miles of GSCC
GSCC has begun to work with various partners in
9,946 GSCC has secured a limited amount of material from material in greater amounts but this is dependent on changes to the current regulatory structure at not located in an industrial zone, it currently can not
for the community and would give it ample space to
124
households live in this area
$24,722 average household income
S T UDY S IT ES
aid in math and science curriculum for students who
as one of its main goals is community development 9 The hope is that the more is also dependent on what the regulatory landscape
likely they are to apply them to their lives and their
has only given a limited amount of compostable
what types of products and food can go into compost Elementary, which is located within the same GSCC is looking to leverage its current partnerships 8
GSCC is talking with tremendous capacity to grow and become a leader
125
PROPOSED COMPOST OPERATION SYSTEM 10
Each of these lots is interested buyers, one for the community, and one for
is also looking into buying the necessary machinery
11
and they have the machines, GSCC then plans to buy
RESIDENTIAL FOOD SCRAP CAPTURE POTENTIAL 16 tons/yr 2% of Households 3 lbs/Household/Week Food Scrap Contribution
103 tons/yr 10% of Households 4 lbs/Household/Week Food Scrap Contribution
Approximately living within 3 miles distance to GSCC
Residential Foodwaste Capture Potential With 2% of households contributing 3 lbs/week of foodwaste:
Around 10,194 households are living in this area
S T UDY S IT ES
FIGURE 5. POTENTIAL FOOD SCRAP26,811 CAPTURE
15.9 tons of annual residential foodwaste capture With 10% of households contributing 4 lbs/week of foodwaste:
The average median income is
160.0 tons of foodwaste will be 94 captured annually.
$24,722
Co
nn
er
St
LEGEND Georgia Street Community Collective Interstate Highway
Distance to GSCC
e
< 0.5 mi (within 10mins’ walking) < 1 mi < 2 mi < 3 mi (within10 mins’ driving)
Population by Block Group
94 75 Potential Compost Contributors Food Factory
0
Restaurant School
G nterstate Highway
0
0.25 0.5
1
1.5
Miles
Distance to GSCC < 428 < 583 < 819 < 1189
2
< < 1 mi < 2 mi <3
Food Factory estaurant School
±
0.25
POTENTIAL ADDED COMPOST CAPACITY
LABOR DEMAND FOR INCREASING OPERATION volunteer force to help them with the community 12
Residential Foodwaste Potential Approximately 26,811 living presence, community GSCC can handle Capture the proposed proposed food waste drop site, on the two newwithin lots, 3 miles distance to GSCC With 2% of households contributing 3 lbs/week of foodwaste:
Around 10,194 households are People, Place, and living in this area PROPOSED
15.9 tons of annual residential CONCEPT DESIGN: foodwaste capture A THREE-BAY SYSTEM With 10% of households contributing
Compost
4 lbs/week of foodwaste:
The average median income is
$24,722 a 10-minute drive of the site and a pasta factory near GSCC which could also contribute compostable
160.0 tons of foodwaste will be captured annually. compostable green material is
bay system where
elsewhere on the farm, the corresponding brown FUTURE COMPOST SITE
LEGEND Georgia Street Community Collective Interstate Highway
Distance to GSCC < 0.5 mi (within 10mins’ walking)
VINTON AVE
< 1 mi < 2 mi < 3 mi (within10 mins’ driving)
Population by Block Group
ET
RE ST. ST A I G R GEO
Potential Compost Contributors Food Factory
Entrance From Community Garden
POTENTIAL DROP OFF LOCATION
128
Restaurant School
0
0.25 0.5
1
1.5
2
40 Feet Miles
±
FIGURE 7. PROPOSED CONCEPT DESIGN S T UDY S IT ES
Processing Bay
Stormwater Management • Separate stormwater management and 12’
leachate control system
• Stormwater collected for other uses 35’
20’
Metal Grid Fence • Curing/Screening Leachate Pool Receiving/Staging
Food Scrap Drop 82’
42’ 16’
1% Slope Control Leachate
Loader/Tool Storage
129
rats entering the site, there is a hardware cloth
COMPOST PROCESSING POTENTIAL ESTIMATION
manage leachate, the surface in which the compost
13
COMPOST PROCESSING POTENTIAL
COST EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE: START WITH WINDROWS
Volume of the Processing Bay: 207 CY 3 2/3 * (20W * 12H * = 207 CY (207 * 463 lb/CY) / 2000 = 48 tons
Annual Throughput: Vol * 4 = 192 tons (Volume) * 4 = 192 tons
Annual Production: 58 - 77 tons
130
system and plans to engage with partners and apply for grants to obtain the necessary funds to build
onto the sidewalks, and there is no nearby sewer
S T UDY S IT ES
PROFIT POTENTIAL FOR COMPOST
GSCC is also alert to any foul smells the compost
smell becomes too odorous for the neighbors, they
capacity, these two consumer groups along with the
there are several barriers associated with selling
14
rats out, the barrier will be covered with a scent of lavender, or some other pleasant smell, to overpower 15
is made of a material akin to Âź inch wire mesh to barrier doubles as a visual barrier improving the purchase and maintenance cost is another barrier to
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT
The details of the designs will have the
compost serving as both part rainwater catchment
perfectly level which also can cause compost leachate
131
this mission, GSCC is in the process of deciding the an aerated tubing system underneath the piles 18
Through an increased footprint, GSCC will be able to provide
Furthermore, increasing the amount of land owned,
EXPANDING COMMUNITY IMPACT GSCC has a strong vision for its future, focused on
establishing a safe place for youth, and rebuilding
LESSONS LEARNED There are several lessons other groups looking to
to eliminate nuisance •
Ensure that
• will be located •
with neighboring farms material and to create a customer base for the
•
C
neighbors and fellow
• within the community to both source compost material and
•
132
1
S T UDY S IT ES
ENDNOTES PHOTO CREDITS G 2 3 4 5
8 9 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1
133
OAKLAND AVENUE URBAN FARM 134
S T UDY S IT ES
WHY OAKLAND AVENUE URBAN FARM? Established in 2009, the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm (further referred to as OAUF
1
2
135
WHAT MAKES OAFU UNIQUE O
OAFU
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW T
THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY
3
31,280 residents live within three miles of OAFU
12,952 households live in this area
$27,830 average household income
136
CURRENT COMPOST USE
S T UDY S IT ES
PROPOSED COMPOST OPERATION SYSTEM 5
T 4 4
6
To
7
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES A
the Compost Market and Community
137
Environmental Site Considerations O 10
9 11
PROPOSED THREE-BAY COMPOST SYSTEM DESIGN F
12
Leachate can be collected and 13
14
A
COMPOST PICK-UP SITE
F
S T UDY S IT ES
F C
COMPOST PROCESSING POTENTIAL15
bin
Volume of the Processing Bay: 148 CY
A
3 2/3 * (20W * 12H * = 148 CY (148 * 463 lb/CY) / 2000 = 34 tons
Annual Throughput: Vol * 4 = 136 tons (Volume) * 4 = 136 tons
Annual Production: 82 - 95 tons Shrinking factor: 30%-40%
TER S N I
ST
STM WE
T NS
WI OD GO
VE DA
LAN
T NS
K OA
ERO
CAM
E UR FUT POST M CO ITE S
Entrance From Goodwin St
EN OW
ST
40 Feet
139
FIGURE 4. PROPOSED CONCEPT DESIGN Processing Bay
Stormwater Management • •
Separate stormwater management and leachate control system Stormwater collected for other use
12’
20’
Metal Grid Fence Prevent Rats
Curing/Screening
Leachate Pool
Receiving/Staging
78'
1% Slope
Control Leachate
Finished Loader/Tool Storage
140
16’
26’
25’
S T UDY S IT ES
PROPOSED FOOD SCRAP DROP-OFF SITE F
T 16
17
RESIDENTIAL FOOD SCRAP CAPTURE POTENTIAL 20 tons/yr
LOCATION L
2% of Households 3 lbs/Household/Week Food Scrap Contribution
325 tons/yr 10% of Households 4 lbs/Household/Week Food Scrap Contribution T
141
FIGURE 5. POTENTIAL FOOD SCRAP CAPTURE
0
Oakland Avenue Urban Farm
0.25 0.5
1
1.5 Miles
Distance to OAUF < 312 < 598 < 969 < 1510 < 2460
142
< 1 mi < 2 mi < 3 mi ( within 10-min driving)
Restaurant School
level of convenience for Oakland Ave Urban Farm
S T UDY S IT ES
T
CASE STUDY 1:
URBAN ROOTS YOUR COMPOST GRAND RAPIDS, MI
A
SCHEDULE
19
O
other scheduled events on the farm could increase
143
CONTAINERS
CASE STUDY 2:
CLOSE THE LOOP! THE NORTH EAST KINGDOM (NEK) NORTHEASTERN, VT
21
22
INTEGRATING FOOD SCRAPS INTO THE COMPOST PILE Preparation 20
•
• •
Blending
144
24
S T UDY S IT ES
FOOD SCRAP DROP-OFF SITE RENDERING
volumes, feedstock sources, and the batch name 23
TER S N I
ST
STM WE
T NS
WI OD
GO T NS ERO
CAM
ND
KLA OA E AV
PROPOSED DROP OFF LOCATION
EN OW
ST
145
PROPOSED FOOD SCRAP DROP-OFF SITE DESIGN
146
S T UDY S IT ES
EXPANDING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT A 25
A
26
• Website
• • internet access • • • •
Time intensive
•
147
CASE STUDY 3:
MIDTOWN COMPOSTING DETROIT, MI
CASE STUDY 4:
RUST BELT RIDERS CLEVELAND, OH
29
30
27
31
28
S T UDY S IT ES
LESSONS LEARNED Oakland Ave Urban Farm can serve as a model to
L •
• based on the
•
•
149
ENDNOTES Capacity
-
-
-
PHOTO CREDITS O
150
151
S T UDY S IT ES
SHERWOOD FOREST 152
S T UDY S IT ES
WHY SHERWOOD? The third study site, Sherwood Forestâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;located set of challenges from both Georgia Street Urban Farm. Currently Sherwood Forest does place, nor a clear idealized scenario of what
neighborhood compared to our other two study sites. We therefore saw an opportunity to 1. 2.
only occur in lower income and less dense neighborhoods.
community compost system would be accepted
of designated open space.1, 2 indicated in our report, these concerns are not
neighborhood gatherings, it may be possible to 3
The following proposed scenarios aim to
153
someone to champion and push for the system, and
implemented within the bounds of the Sherwood
SITE CONTEXT Sherwood Forest, a historic neighborhood home Detroit (Council District 5).4, 5 Established in 1917, the 6, 7
8
monitors the general welfare of the neighborhood, guidelines.12, 13, 14
designated the neighborhood as a historic district in
the exterior of each house must be made of either
Currently the 11
of Sherwood Forest residents are homeowners, than some of the surrounding neighborhoods.
154
SHERWOOD FOREST
UNIQUE CONSIDERATIONS
•
High Income.
In part because of this, most residents pay the
that informed our proposed scenarios for the •
S T UDY S IT ES
18
High Density. With about 435 homes within less This demonstrated
may be more willing to pay for food scrap
processing site.15, 16, 17
produced compost for a higher cost than other •
Sherwood
SHERWOOD FOREST 1,213 residents live within Sherwood Forest
0%
21, 22
In
capture food scraps in this limited area.23 •
The Sherwood
VACANCY No registered vacant properties
90% of residents are homeowners
$106,000 median household income
of resources, as members of the community
•
Currently, there are a handful of households in Sherwood Forest that either compost already or are interested 24, 25, 26
155
WHAT COULD COMPOSTING LOOK LIKE? during the past decade raised compost as either an interest or concern for residents.27 While this does not mean residents are disinterested
from within the neighborhood. â&#x20AC;˘
Detroit. Informed by other case studies, the broader
be implemented in the neighborhood. We present each as a possible scenario one might imagine in
The Sherwood Forest compost system manager as it is currently a
proposal. While these scenarios were constructed for
156
S T UDY S IT ES
PROPOSED COMPOST DEVELOPMENT
SCENARIO ONE: THE HOME-BASED HUB
SCENARIO TWO: THE COLLECTION ENTREPRENEUR
WE MAKE COMPOST EASY
SCENARIO THREE: THE COMMUNITY DROP OFF SITE(S)
157
SCENARIO #1: HOME-BASED HUB
IMAGINE THIS...
158
S T UDY S IT ES
OVERVIEW neighbors as depicted in this scenario might be neighbors to maximize input and output of their system.
Compost Champions become leaders in their the surrounding neighbors.28
and experiences that can empower their neighbors
as well as doing outreach in order to garner a larger This outreach could range from running informal
159
KEY STRENGTHS
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
•
• ready to spread the word and engage their for any number of issue areas emerge on their
•
seed the growth of a compost system through other residents.
champions might be a challenge if they do not already exist.
• Compost Champions can build their own compost
•
depending
its processing capacity. •
•
The
the Compost Champion desires. •
Champions. • Forest,
need to monitor what food scrap materials their healthy compost.31 •
By using home-based hubs, . Compost Champions and their neighbors can share and
• , which may limit the amount of compost a household can hold on their property. Currently in Detroit, accessory uses for urban gardens or farms and Policy chapter of this report for 32
S T UDY S IT ES
HOME-BASED HUB CASE STUDY: WE GOT LEAVES 33, 34,
35
This
Early in its history, Liberatore
36 37
38
161
SCENARIO #2: COLLECTION ENTREPRENEUR
IMAGINE THIS...
162
OVERVIEW S T UDY S IT ES
capacity.
41
smaller scale than a municipal, centralized hauler.
Some systems focus on only businesses, while others may focus on a mixture of residences, businesses, 42, 43, 44 Food scrap nearly always opt-in with residents or businesses paying a small monthly fee.45, 46, 47, 48 For example,
restaurants, churches, schools, and other local
163
49
scale system to collect food scraps, while others may success in any neighborhood. In Sherwood Forest, 56
community.
as a wastewater treatment plant.57 In this type of a system, when neighbors opt into the 51
52
that might concern nearby residents. In Sherwood
KEY STRENGTHS •
any compost system that might be considered would
resources necessary to become established
the ground…. Those sort of things create a storm on
interested to expand their scope if demand for
53
or local businesses. • 54
• based experience. In many cases, systems that • the middleman between food scrap generators and 55 Some microhaulers
164
63
•
S T UDY S IT ES
churches, and other community centers. • , local
By a surrounding community, local residents can not be ready or able to pay. urban agriculture, landscaping, and more.
CASE STUDIES
• is 61
chapter of this
Sherwood Forest, a from one's residence.64, 65 described on the following page.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS • 62
The shorter the distance between the food scrap
Forest, in less dense neighborhoods a microhauler get many households in close proximity to one another to sign up. For example, if a microhauler
• that consolidate
165
COLLECTION ENTREPRENEUR CASE STUDY: COMPOST PEDALLERS 66
depending on the pounds collected, households earned points which could then be redeemed at local businesses compost.67 reduced the size of their garbage can 68
program as low as possible. Compost
absorbed by a municipality-led compost 69
166
S T UDY S IT ES
SCENARIO #3: COMMUNITY DROP OFF SITE
IMAGINE THIS...
167
OVERVIEW
businesses, urban farms, or community gardens,
76, 77
For Sherwood Forest,
but, as demonstrated in this scenario, there could be
78
In cases where food scraps
placed sites. group, local business, or group of residents to organize the transfer of food scraps. In some cases, or community center. In the case of Sherwood
library, or school, or another community center.
program.72 These mobile sites may be monitored by clean organic material.73
168
S T UDY S IT ES
COMPOST SUPERHERO
churches, and other sites across the City.
IMAGINE THIS...
169
KEY STRENGTHS
82
•
surrounding neighbors to foster community to regularly bring their food scraps. foul odors, and other nuisances.83 • .84
•
placing materials that cannot be processed in a community-scale compost site or materials that
in public spaces that are unmonitored with 85
to help educate and inspire the surrounding
food scraps. •
•
This system to separate their food scraps from mainstream trash and transport them to a distant
opportunity to
residents. . In some systems, the
• will need to determine their preferred
community.
. It could
KEY CONSIDERATIONS • may be directly around a
•
If a compost processing site is not at the same
processing site.81 In the past when a local resident wanted to plant an apple orchard in Palmer complexity to the system.
CASE STUDY
â&#x20AC;¢
S T UDY S IT ES
which . The system
model is feasible.
in order to meet people where they already are.
COMMUNITY DROP OFF SITE CASE STUDY: GROWNYC'S GREENMARKET FOOD SCRAP DROP OFF 86
members can control what organic materials are accepted,
171
LESSONS LEARNED Sherwood Forest as well as municipal leaders and current composters in Detroit cited the importance
91
exchange, where interested community members share by word of mouth the proper methods of food
increasingly important for compost site managers
maintained compost sites compounds as more own community-scale compost systems. In some
types of compost systems for residents to learn about, how to properly compost and start their small-scale
Composter Training program as a way to go beyond
93, 94, 95
172
S T UDY S IT ES
CONCLUSION • a community-scale compost system that could be
• • •
community or in other parts of Detroit. The following describes ten basic types of community-scale compost systems as captured by the report, by
• • •
Home-based or Homestead Hubs
96
•
Community Gardens
•
Farms (Rural and Urban)
•
Schools
which compost system might be right for you to ensure you and your community success.
173
ENDNOTES
4.
n.d.). Detroit Historical
district 5.
6. ( 7. ( 8. (
(n.d.). Sherwood Forest
, n.d.)
ocal
, n.d.)
G
Self-Reliance.
, n.d.)
9. Sarah Cross of Sherwood Forest, personal , n.d.)
downtown-much-pricier-sales-than-neighborhoods 13. (
, n.d.)
14.
. (n.d.). Sherwood
15.
16. (
, n.d.) 38.
Chelsea Green Publishing.
174
S T UDY S IT ES
42.
47.
(n.d.). Rust Belt character Renee Wallace dreamed up, that she shared with us 75. (
49.
51. (
, n.d.)
56. (Detroit Dirt, n.d.)
86.
Local Self-Reliance. 59. (
65. (
, n.d.)
n.d.)
175
93.
ocal
G
Self-Reliance.
PHOTO CREDITS
The
176
177
S T UDY S IT ES
178
RECOMMENDATIONS
180
CONCLUSION
194
PART V
LOOKING FORWARD 179
RECOMMENDATIONS 180
LO OKING FORWA RD
RECOMMENDATIONS From our research, interviews, and discussions, our team has outlined several
181
STRATEGY #1 EDUCATE & ENGAGE Community engagement and education are the foundation to the retainment and recovery of resources within the local community. As a result, community-scale composting can strengthen community ownership and empowerment.
182
LO OKING FORWA RD
ACTION # 1 FIND COMPOST CHAMPIONS Every community compost system needs an advocate someone to start the system and encourage its growth.
POTENTIAL PARTNERS: • Residents • Community •
FIND A PASSIONATE COMPOST CHAMPION
Block Clubs / Neighborhood Groups
BUILD UPON EXISTING RESOURCES
SPREAD RESOURCES AND KNOWLEDGE
183
ACTION # 2
MAKE IT SIMPLE From system guidelines to visual appearance, a community residents.
POTENTIAL PARTNERS: • Compost Champion(s) • FoodPLUS | Detroit
DESIGN COMPOST BINS & COLLECTION SITES TO BE INTUITIVE OUTLINE THE “NEED-TO-KNOW” INFORMATION
USE PARTICIPATORY MEASURES TO ASSESS INTEREST & HABITS
OFFER INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION
PLACE FOOD SCRAP COLLECTION BINS IN POPULAR AREAS
184
CREATE SPACE FOR COMMUNITY
LO OKING FORWA RD
ACTION # 3
learn, and support one another is an important component to building
POTENTIAL LEAD: • FoodPLUS | Detroit
OFFER ONGOING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
POTENTIAL PARTNERS: • Community-scale
DEVELOP COMMUNITY COMPOSTER TRAINING
ENABLE A PHYSICAL SPACE FOR THE COMMUNITY
185
STRATEGY #2 CHANGE POLICY
Before community-scaled composting surrounding composting must be changed. Having a proper regulatory structure at the state and local levels is essential. Successful policy recognizes the importance of encouraging individuals, private sector actors, urban farms, community groups, the need for best practices to maximize the negative externalities.
186
ADVOCATE FOR LEG 115 LO OKING FORWA RD
ACTION # 1
POTENTIAL LEAD: POTENTIAL PARTNERS:
ACTION # 2
EXPAND LEGALITY OF COMPOSTING POTENTIAL LEAD: Detroit City Planning and Development Department POTENTIAL PARTNERS:
ACTION # 3
INCLUDE BEST PRACTICES IN ORDINANCE both composters and city inspectors, any new ordinance or amendment must POTENTIAL LEAD: Sierra Club Great Lakes Program POTENTIAL PARTNERS:
187
STRATEGY #3
BUILD PARTNERSHIPS
Community-scale composting systems thrive on collaboration and partnership. By working together, compost leaders, municipal departments, and residents can share knowledge, identify opportunities to support the citywide composting system and help to ensure the demand of locally sourced compost.
188
LO OKING FORWA RD
ACTION # 1 COLLECT DATA To the best extent available, municipal departments, planners, and
POTENTIAL PARTNERS: • FoodPLUS | Detroit, • •
SET CLEAR DATA STANDARDS
Individual Community
USE DATA FOR ADVOCACY
LEAD THE NATION IN COMPOST DATA COLLECTION
189
ACTION # 2
CREATE COMMUNITY LINKAGES strengthening the city’s decentralized compost system.
POTENTIAL LEAD: • Detroit Future City
ENSURE COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS
POTENTIAL PARTNERS: • FoodPLUS | Detroit
EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE
SHARE EVENTS
190
LO OKING FORWA RD
ACTION # 3 ENSURE COMPOST DEMAND planning.
POTENTIAL LEAD: • Sustainability
EMPHASIZE COMPOST USE IN CITY PROJECTS
POTENTIAL PARTNERS: • Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) • Detroit Water and Sewerage Department • Planning and Development Department
ENSURE QUALITY WITH BEST PRACTICES
191
RECOMMENDATION OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION FIND COMPOST CHAMPIONS EDUCATE & ENGAGE
MAKE IT SIMPLE CREATE SPACE FOR ADVOCATE EXPAND
CHANGE
COMPOSTING MANDATE BEST PRACTICES COLLECT DATA
BUILD PARTNERSHIPS
CREATE LINKAGES ENSURE COMPOST DEMAND
192
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IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS STATE OF MICHIGAN EGLE
CITY OF DETROIT DEPARTMENTS
DETROIT FUTURE CITY
SIERRA CLUBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STATE OF MICHIGAN CHAPTER FOODPLUS | DETROIT COMMUNITY OF DETROIT 193
CONCLUSION
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.â&#x20AC;? - Margaret Mead 194
LO OKING FORWA RD
CONCLUSION
1
195
2
3
4
196
This
LO OKING FORWA RD
ENDNOTES What is
Detroit Sustainability
197
198
WHAT CAN GO IN COMPOST?
200
COMPOST SITE INSPECTION CHECKLIST
201
TROUBLESHOOTING FAQ
202
PROCESS TO FURTHER REDUCE PATHOGENS
205
COST ESTIMATES OF COMPOST SYSTEM MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT
206
PART VI
APPENDIX 199
WHAT CAN GO IN COMPOST? YES! Greens Nitrogen - 1 PART Fruit and vegetable scraps and rinds Other food scraps including
and more Bread and grains Fruit Prunings Plants Grass clippings and spoiled/expired food requires immediate mixing accepted in community-scale
YES! Browns Carbon - 3 PARTS Leaves Shredded newspaper Paper - NO colored or glossy paper Tissues Cardboard - small Sawdust Woodchips - untreated Wood shavings - untreated Bark Twigs and branches - small Chopped brush Straw Horse and cow bedding Corn stalks
BMPs
- currently NOT legal in Detroit but subject to change. Presents pathogen risk
200
Raising livestock in Detroit is currently not legal, but is subject to change.
NO! Not in my compost!
in community compost sites Dairy Fats/Oils/Grease Garden weeds Cooked food
Bones Diseased plants Wood ash NEVER in compost:
Metal Dog or cat feces Glossy or coated paper Condiment packages
A P P ENDIX
COMPOST OPERATION INSPECTOR CHECKLIST INSPECTION CHECKLIST FOR COMMUNITY-SCALE COMPOSTING OPERATIONS NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________ INSPECTOR NAME: __________________________________ DATE: _______________________________ COMPOST SITE Compost site is within legal site parameters Site is clean and well organized Site has a drainage pool Site has secure barrier(s), i.e. physical fence or structure Site has on-site storage Browns are stored on site Greens are not stored on site Storage bins or containers have seals and/or locks Documentation of materials that are coming in and out of the site Documentation of monitoring of active compost sites including temperature, moisture content, density & smell Presence of physical barrier to site
COMPOST PILES Food sources are covered No strong odor coming from the compost piles No non-compost piles No rat burrows COMPOSTING PROCESS Food inputs are filtered/pre-sifted Compost site has been turned within the last two weeks
201
TROUBLESHOOTING FAQ Possible Source or Reason
Other Clues
Recommended Remedy
fails to heat
Temperature declines gradually
Temperature falls consistently over several days
system pile
system pile moisture and materials
Uneven temperatures or varying odors in
system pile
maturity
Gradually falling temperatures;
(temperature >150°F) temperature
202
Other Clues
Recommended Remedy
A P P ENDIX
Possible Source or Reason
Extremely high temperatures (>170°F) pile, curing pile, or storage materials
and properly rebuild
High temperatures or odors in curing storage pile
temperature and moisture
Ammonia odor coming system pile
source
pile Add dry materials
structure
compacted odors coming from
too large rebuild smaller pile
rebuild proper structure
Possible Source or Reason
Other Clues
Recommended Remedy
odors
Odors generated only interior
Site-related odors
Falling temperatures
material
storage
pile not odorous) of poor drainage Flies breeding in compost system pile
maintain pad surface
system pile
Fly or mosquito problems (Note: black soldier
or carbon source
problem)
system pile
compost
Finished compost contains clumps of materials and large uniform
compost
complete
204
bits
PA R T 3 Managing the Composting Process and Your Site
SPOTLIGHT - The Process to Further Reduce Pathogens (PFRP)
A composting pile in the active phase of decomposition. Source: Institute for Local SelfReliance.
Community Composting Done Right
A P P ENDIX
PROCESS TO FURTHER REDUCE PATHOGENS
COST ESTIMATES OF COMPOST SYSTEM MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT Table 7: Costs Estimates of Compost System Materials & Equipment MATERIAL
ESTIMATED PRICE RANGE
NOTES
Tumblers
Composters Thermometers
GUIDE TO COMMUNITY COMPOSTING
89
A P P ENDIX
“C” IS FOR COMPOST!
— The Compost Capstone Team
ENVISIONING A DECENTRALIZED COMPOST SYSTEM FOR DETROIT
MAY 2020
Sean Burnett, David DeBoskey, Michael Friese, Emily Korman, Megan Rigney, Anikka Van Eyl, Keerthana Vidyasagar and Meixin Yuan