BOISE, Idaho — The City of Boise is testing out a new program that will allow every resident in the City of Trees to compost food. The food waste pilot program is meant to make composting more accessible, while keeping food waste out of landfills.
The program is aimed at families who live in apartments, because in 2017, the city rolled out a residential compost program with green bins that the majority of households in the city now utilize.
However, about 20% of Boise families live in a multi-family dwelling - like an apartment complex or condo. Those families don't have access to the green compost bins, so the City of Boise has set up two food scrap drop-off locations.
"This program is really about equity, making sure that we have compost available to everyone in our city - regardless of the type of housing they live in," said Lisa Knapp, environmental analyst for the city's Curb It Compost Program.
Items such as vegetables, coffee grounds, tea bags and eggshells can be dropped off. The city then turns those food scraps into compost - which enriches soil across the city.
A 2021 analysis from the City of Boise found that food waste made up about 25% of landfill material from multi-family communities. The pilot hopes to make composting more accessible while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"When we collect compost, we're usually collecting yard waste or food waste," Knapp said. "Food waste in particular is very important to keep out of our landfill because it generates methane, and it does that very quickly."
The city is piloting the program with two drop-off bins at Comba Park and Fort Boise Park. The areas were chosen because they have a high number of apartments nearby.
The program is free, and the city is asking anyone who wants to participate to register online. Demographic data from those who register will be used to decide where to expand the program.
Boise residents can register for the free food scrap drop-off program here.