BRATTLEBORO, Vt. -
There's a new initiative on the streets of Brattleboro that those taking part in are proud to show off in their front lawns-- curbside composting.
"If we could get that out of the landfills and something usable for the town, not just to save money, but also then to create a product that people could potentially use in their gardens would be great," said local resident Abby Mnookin.
About 150 people are included in the pilot project, which is being facilitated by the Windham Solid Waste Management District.
"It could be kitchen scraps, paper plates, cups, napkins tissues, meat and fish bone, kitty litter -- along with the cat waste in the kitty litter," said Moss Kahler, the project's organizer.
Kahler says up to 50 percent of all kitchen waste could be composted. A staggering number that deaf students at the nearby Austine School think is worth doing something about.
"We have separate places. One is for paper goods, things like that. Another is for recycling our milk bottles. There is a place for our food to go," said Jacob Paye, 13.
Students at the school are already composting because they want to and are not part of the pilot program.
"We have to cherish the earth and not damage it, so that is why we have to recycle and compost to take care of the earth by recycling," said student Serena Caputi.
Some staff at the school are participating in the pilot project. They say the kids are great inspiration.
"A lot of people will say just that I'm too busy, oh it smells, I can't deal with it. And it is important that we do deal with it. And if the kids at the Austine School can work it into there day, so can everybody else," said Kelly Therieau.
As it turns out, a lot of people in Brattleboro have the composting bug.
"There are a lot of people chomping at the bit. They would like to get into the pilot, but right now there is just no more room," Kahler said.
Kahler hopes if the pilot is a success, it will be implemented townwide.
This summer, Gov. Peter Shumlin signed a law making it
mandatory to compost food waste. By 2014 all major food waste producers like
businesses, colleges, and hospitals will have to recycle and compost. And by
2020 all residents will, as well.
