The City of Frederick this week launched a residential compost pilot project that is open to residents in NACs 5 and 11, and invites their participation.
Key City Compost is the selected contractor for the pilot project. Located in Frederick, Key City Compost will be able to collect compostable material, process, and distribute finished compost without leaving the County. Removing compostable materials from the waste stream can mean a reduction of overall weight going to the landfill by about 30 percent and that those materials will not produce methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. In addition, the reduction in transportation miles for this heavy material will further reduce the carbon footprint associated with waste and recycling efforts.
Any household that currently receives City trash collection is eligible to participate. During the course of the project, the City will pay for the services, and any households not included in the pilot can still participate in collection from Key City Compost for a monthly fee.
The pilot program is expected to be able to support about 800 households and will run for about six months. The City will likely include two more NACs in an expanded pilot program beginning in July to better understand how a program might work across the City in various housing situations. More information on the expanded program is forthcoming.
Sign-ups for the pilot program is open and will be on a rolling, first-come-first-served basis until we have reached the maximum number of participants. Residents may sign up for the program using this link: https://www.keycompost.com/residential
If you have questions about signing up, contact Key City Compost at 240-608-0283, info@keycompost.com, or about the program in general, contact Jenny Willoughby at jwilloughby@cityoffrederickmd.gov.
Residential Compost Pilot FAQs
1. Who can sign up for the pilot program?
Residents in NACs 5 and 11 are part of the initial pilot program free of charge for the duration of the program, however, all residents outside the pilot can sign up for Key City Compost services for a monthly fee.
2. How do I find out my NAC?
Visit the City’s website to download the NAC map: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/847/NAC-Map-Wall?bidId=
Or visit the City’s GIS and select NACs in the available data checkboxes: https://spires.cityoffrederick.com/gis/general/
3. How long will the pilot last?
The City expects the pilot to last about six months, during which time we will collect data to determine how a project might scale up to include all residents. The length is dependent on how many residents sign up for service.
4. How many residents can sign up for the pilot?
The program can accept about 800 residences and will accept rolling sign-ups until we reach the limit for this pilot project.
5. What happens after the pilot is finished?
Data will be collected and shared at public meetings at the mid-point and near the completion of the program to determine next steps.
6. How do I sign up for the pilot program?
https://www.keycompost.com/residential
7. Who do I contact with questions?
For questions about signups or service, contact Key City Compost at 240.608.0283 or info@keycompost.com. For general questions about the pilot, contact Jenny Willoughby at jwilloughby@cityoffrederickmd.gov.