El Paso, TX
Local Sustainability Matching Fund Proposal
Spring 2012
Purpose:
To plan and develop a Pilot Composting Program for the City of El Paso.
Brief description of project goals, strategy, and key activities:
The goals of the Pilot Composting Program are to fill the knowledge gap in the region regarding the
specifics of how to compost in the arid Southwest; provide senior gardens and parks with organic
compost; and to serve as a catalyst to open the door for city-wide residential green waste collection
and composting.
The key activities include developing a compost facility at an existing City Citizen Collection Station
in Northeast El Paso, (one of six conveniently located waste drop-off facilities). Green waste will be
collected in an adjacent residential area and composted at the Collection Station and the compost
used at the adjacent senior gardens and nearby parks. Project partners will provide written
information (English/Spanish), web information as well as outreach to schoolchildren and the
general public will be established. Partners will include the Community Gardens and Sustainable
Living Project at El Paso Community College and Keep El Paso Beautiful.
This public-private initiative, using one location with existing gardens, and within active
neighborhoods, will provide a mutually advantageous outcome, especially when combined with the
educational outreach component.
Sustainability Priority Area(s):
Urban Agriculture
Zero Waste
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