Composting grants
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GreenThumb's News
2011 Manhattan Community-Scale Composting Grant
Published January 3, 2011
2011 Manhattan Community-Scale Composting Grant
The Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board (SWAB), a citizen advisory board appointed jointly by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and New York City Council members representing districts in Manhattan, will provide funding assistance for community, small-scale organic waste diversion initiatives in the borough of Manhattan in 2011.
The SWAB membership consists of individuals from community boards, recycling and carting industries, environmental organizations, property owners, tenant organizations and members of the general public. The SWAB advises the borough president, city council and city administration regarding the development, promotion and operation of the city’s recycling program. Recommendations for the city’s recycling program include methods to encourage greater participation, educate the public and increase waste diversion rates.
The Manhattan SWAB believes that organic waste diversion is central to increasing the city’s residential recycling diversion rate, at 15.7 percent in FY2010. Currently, food and yard waste together make up over 20% of the residential waste stream. The New York City Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling (BWPRR) has one operative, permitted composting facility in Staten Island to compost yard waste generated by landscapers. BWPRR also supports the NYC Compost Project, a compost outreach and education program for NYC residents, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. In addition, DSNY’s leaf and yard waste composting collection program, which was suspended due to budget cuts, will resume in 2012. The Manhattan SWAB would like to build on the Bureau’s efforts to help foster community based compost programs in Manhattan by providing small grants to qualifying organizations.
Since the recycling of organic materials is a natural process, that if properly managed will provide compost, a natural soil amendment, we believe on-site composting systems can deliver many environmental benefits. Compost increases the nutrient content and moisture retention of soil and can also eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. Diverting compost from landfills prevents the production of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas, and the formulation of leachate from landfills. Additionally, composting can offer economic benefits.
Applications
Send completed proposal no later than February 4, 2011.
Email: CNg...@manhattanbp.org
Post:
Manhattan Community-Scale Composting Grant
Attn: Cuong Nguyen
1 Centre St., 19th Floor South
New York, NY 10007
For complete application details please refer to the information Manhattan Borough Presidents website and if you have any questions please contact Cuong Nguyen at 212-669-7664 or CNg...@manhattanbp.org. All selections will be made solely by the members of the Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board (SWAB), and awards will be announced by March 11, 2011.