Efforts are underway to create a Coastal Community Composting Facility on Joint Base Cape Cod to process food and yard waste into compost and fertilizer for local sale. The project, discussed at a recent Military-Civilian Community Council meeting, involves Kari Parcell of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and Cape Cod Cooperative Extension. Since 2020, in partnership with Joint Base Cape Cod and the towns of Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, and Sandwich, it has been in development. A 2020 feasibility study by Barnstable County examined residential waste, highlighting food waste, which accounts for about 36% of waste, as a key organic resource for reuse as fertilizer, supporting regional water efforts. The facility would initially handle nearly 12,000 tons annually, including yard and food waste. Instead of county ownership, the project will likely proceed through a private RFP process. A second study has developed site plans and a development timeline. Bourne’s food waste recycling program has grown, from two tons in 2022 to 8.5 tons the following year. The project now involves drafting agreements, with county officials planning to hire a project manager for grants and development. Construction could start in 18-24 months.

Link to article: https://www.capenews.net/bourne/news/food-waste-recycling-facility-slowly-coming-to-jbcc/article_b9e9782d-3f38-48a5-8b4b-8e31dbeaa373.html