Medford Explores Residential Curbside Composting Program

MEDFORD, MA — The city is exploring the option of a residential curbside composting program this spring. Medford released a Request for Proposals March 1 seeking companies that offer subscription organics collection to residents.

Medford will not directly fund the program but will connect interested residents with the selected vendor for private curbside pickup at a pre-determined cost. The city seeking a contractor to provide a weekly subscription service from all households, including multi-family residences.

Residents are invited to provide feedback on their interest in a curbside composting program, as well as feedback from residents who currently utilize a private service. Residents are invited to take a survey at https://tinyurl.com/medford-compost, or by contacting the Office of Community Development at ocd@medford-ma.gov or 781-393-2480. Proposals from potential vendors are due to the Purchasing Department on March 22, 2021.

"This is an exciting possibility for the city of Medford, and one that I know many residents have been asking about," Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said in a statement. "I am really looking forward to seeing the proposals we receive and hopefully being able to implement the program this spring. On a personal level, I hope that my family and I can finally begin to compost at our own home."

Composting is the process of recycling organic matter, like leaves and food scraps, creating a rich dirt mixture, frequently used by gardeners. It can involve putting these materials in a separate container to naturally break down to be picked up on a regular basis by a contracted company. This process can reduce the amount of material deposited in the city's trash stream.

"Curbside collecting of compostable materials is a great option for many Medford residents, particularly for those who are trying to be a 'Zero-Waste Household' as you can include many things that would not be appropriate in backyard composting," Alicia Hunt, acting director of the Offices of Community Development and Energy & Environment. "I'm looking forward to being able to recommend a company to the Medford community for this service!"

To take the survey, visit https://tinyurl.com/medford-compost.

For more information on composting, visit our Frequently Asked Questions at https://tinyurl.com/medford-compostFAQ, or contact the Office of Community Development at ocd@medford-ma.gov or 781-393-2480.