­For Immediate Release: March 27, 2023

The City of Alexandria is excited to launch a new curbside food waste composting collection pilot for residents who currently receive City trash and recycling services. Registration for the pilot program is now open, with collections expected to start this spring. The City has contracted Compost Crew, a leading organics recycling company in the region, as a partner to provide this service to residents.

Up to 2,000 households will be selected in the pilot program each year for two years. Pilot participants will receive the first six months of service for free along with the start-up kit paid for by the City. Of the 2,000 households, the City will provide a twelve-month subsidy for 100 households currently exempt from payment of the Residential Refuse Fee and receiving tax relief and assistance. Registration will be on a rolling basis until the maximum capacity of participants is reached. Residents who pre-registered through the City’s feedback form back in December will receive a confirmation email with next steps.

"Compost Crew is delighted to partner with the City of Alexandria to bring convenient curbside food scrap collection to its residents," said Ben Parry, CEO of Compost Crew. "Diverting food waste for recycling into compost is an easy way Alexandria residents can contribute to the City's environmental objectives."

Residents will be able to place items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, and bones in a dedicated bin for food waste collection instead of putting food waste in the trash. Collection date will be designated by Compost Crew, which may differ from the day of collections for trash and recycling service.

"Developing new and innovative programs to increase waste diversion is an important step forward in the City’s efforts for sustainable resource recovery and commitment to our WasteSmart Strategic Plan," said Mayor Justin Wilson. "This pilot program will expose more residents to the benefits of composting, helping pave the way for a greener and more sustainable Alexandria."

Pilot participants will be encouraged to provide ongoing feedback to the City. After six months, residents may continue service with the vendor for a monthly or annual subscription fee. Residents will have the option to cancel service at any time.

As part of this program, the City will also conduct a Food Waste Reduction outreach campaign to provide residents with everyday tips to reduce food waste impact at home. The Curbside Composting Pilot will be in addition to the City’s free food waste composting services open to all residents at farmers’ markets.

Visit alexandriava.gov/go/4289 to learn more about the Residential Curbside Composting Pilot Program, FAQs, and registration process.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact geralyn.taylor@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4990, Virginia Relay 711.

About Compost Crew Inc.

Compost Crew Inc., a Benefit Corporation, is the leading organics recycling company in the DMV. The company provides simple and convenient composting solutions to thousands of businesses, organizations and residential customers throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

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This release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4454.