Envisioning a Decentralized Compost System for Detroit: A Framework for Community-Scale Composting

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 ?

pdf

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

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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