USDA Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Project

In May 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) solicited grant applications from local governments to pilot Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction projects.  SWALCO was awarded this opportunity and is committed to its success.

The SWALCO project is intended to develop a stronger, more vibrant circular economy for managing food scraps and other organic material. It includes a compost to farmland/community garden demonstration study, strengthening the community gardening network, market development for compost, and education efforts to increase participation rates in the commercial and residential sectors. 

Explore more about the SWALCO project

Compost and Soil QualityCompost and Soil Quality

OBJECTIVE 1 - Does applying compost improve soil quality in local farmlands and gardens?

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Principles of CompostUSDA LC Master Gardener UOI

OBJECTIVE 2 - How does spreading the word about compost use help educate our community?

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Diverting Food WasteUSDA Food Scrap to Compost

OBJECTIVE 3 - How does diverting food waste to compost make a difference in our community?

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USDA Grant Blog 

March 2021:

You Composting Yet? Here's How To Start

April 2021:

How Compost Combats Climate Change


USDA Grant Project Updates

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR203A750001C028. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, any references to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for those products or services. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.