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Returning to Tower Grove Farmers' Market this summer, our Food Scraps Drop Off program is for area residents to engage in sustainability. earthday365 will staff a booth for outreach education on how to reduce your food waste and provide commercial composting for your residential food waste.
This 6-month program will run at Tower Grove Farmers' Market from May 7th through October 29th. It is estimated that we throw out about 3.5 pounds of food per person per week. Two people doing the Pay As You Throw level will spend about $14/month or $84 over 6 months.
Each subscription is allowed one drop off per week at the Farmers' Market. Weights will be recorded so each subscriber will have a data set for the season and can track their success. Fees paid will offset costs for booth fees, staff time, and hauling. Choose from three levels of service.
How It Works
Become A Member
Become a member at any level before signing up and receive a $25 discount on services.
FAQs About This Program
What goes in the bucket?
Food scraps only. This includes fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, tea, meat, bones, dairy, cheese, eggs, pasta, bread, and other grains. Oil and vinegar on your leftover salad? No problem! Compost it. How? St. Louis Composting is a commercial composting facility that is able to reach high enough temperatures to break down meat, dairy, and other foods that are not backyard-compostable.
What is not accepted?
Plastic bags and plastic produce stickers. No bulk oils or grease. No compostable serviceware. If you wouldn’t eat it, neither will our soil microbes!
Why not compostable serviceware?
Currently, there is too much confusion about what is and is not compostable, which leads to contamination of the valuable soil amendment made from food scraps and yard trimmings (Compost!). Plus, some paper “compostable” products have been lined to make them grease-resistant by using persistent non-degradable toxic chemicals (PFAS) which do not break down in compost piles. The Compost Manufacturing Alliance is working on field testing various products throughout the nation, but until they have a substantial list of certified products, we are playing it safe by not accepting any serviceware.
Do I need to be an earthday365 member to use the service?
No, but it is included, so why not enjoy the multiple benefits of an earthday365 membership? As an earthday365 member, you will be the first to learn about our new initiatives and volunteer opportunities supporting the local food movement, environmental justice collaborations, and events that reflect your values. Plus get three coupons to Green Dining Alliance restaurants and discounts to earthday365 events and our online shop!
Is an earthday365 membership included at every level?
Yes! If you are not currently a member of earthday365, the signup fee will register you for the subscription service and a one year Sustainability Advocate membership (worth $25). Benefits include educational opportunities to connect with other sustainability advocates, 3 coupons to Green Dining Alliance restaurants, plus discounted admission to earthday365 events and our online shop.
What happens to the food scraps I drop off?
They are hauled by Total Organics Recycling to a St. Louis Composting Facility where they will be placed inside large static outdoor piles of mulch, tree branches, lawn cuttings, leaves, and other organic materials. It is then covered to reduce smells and interested animals. After two weeks, it is turned on a scheduled basis until it is ready to be sold in 6 months as compost to local gardeners, landscapers, and farmers.
Choose which level best fits your needs for the 2022 season. The signup fee is a one time fee. You will separately be billed monthly for $0.50/pound for the Pay As You Throw level.
We're excited you've committed to reducing methane emissions to fight climate change. A confirmation email is coming to you shortly.
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