A new curbside composting service has launched in Montezuma County. For the first time, residents can have their food scraps picked up right from their homes. This initiative is called MoCo Compo, founded by Erin and Oliver Hardick.
MoCo Compo began service in April, starting with a successful pickup this week. Interested residents can sign up online for just $15 a month. Once they join, the Hardicks provide a five-gallon bucket for food scraps, which will be emptied biweekly and taken to the local composting facility.
The service currently serves Dolores, Cortez, and Mancos, with plans to expand countywide, including to local businesses and schools. The goal is to reach 50 households by the end of summer.
The idea for MoCo Compo sparked after Oliver visited the Montezuma County Landfill with a leadership group. He learned that while some composting was occurring, there was a noticeable lack of food scrap composting. Motivated by this gap, the couple aims to reduce methane emissions caused by food waste in landfills.
“Food scraps make up about one-third of U.S. household trash,” Oliver shared. “When these materials decompose in landfills, they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.”
Erin emphasized the benefits of composting. “Compost aids farmers and improves soil health, helping it retain moisture and build drought resistance,” she explained. “Plus, it can keep bears from rummaging through trash. We use sealed buckets that meet local safety codes, minimizing food waste odors.”
MoCo Compo accepts a variety of food scraps, including meat and dairy, but not bones or “compostable” plastics.1 Mel Jarmon, the landfill manager, notes the importance of following guidelines. If trash is mixed with compost, the entire batch must go to the landfill instead of recycling. Proper participation helps ensure the program’s success.
Communities across the U.S. are increasingly recognizing the importance of composting. According to the EPA, about 35% of all waste could be composted, which could significantly reduce landfill waste and emissions.2 As more people become conscious of environmental impacts, services like MoCo Compo could pave the way for a greener future.
For more details and to sign up, visit MoCo Compo’s website.
(Source: The Journal)
*Statistics on waste are derived from EPA guidelines, highlighting the potential impact of composting on reducing landfill contributions.*
1 For further composting guidelines, you can refer to local waste management resources.
2 Environmental Protection Agency, “Wastes – Resource Conservation – A Guide to Composting.”
