Update on the Village Compost Proposal
The Village of Rhinebeck is before the Town Planning Board seeking site plan approval for our application to build a compost facility at the Village Highway Department, which is owned by the Village but located in the Town. Our next public hearing is on May 1, 6:15pm at Town Hall.
The Village’s plan is to process 2 tons of food scraps per week. The Village Highway Department property is an ideal site because Highway Department staff already use the site to recycle yard waste into mulch. Mulch is the “bulking” agent mixed with food waste to create compost. This property already has staff and equipment needed for the operation, and is centrally located within the Town and a short drive to the Village. The DEC, which oversees composting sites in NY State, has already approved this as a “registered” facility.
The proposal has prompted pushback from neighbors whose properties abut the Village Highway Department. I’ve been addressing these concerns and have made changes to the plan based on feedback. While it’s understandable that neighbors could initially be concerned about odor or wildlife, I’ve explained that the composting technique (aerated static pile, known as ASP) and the scale of operation (2 tons of food waste per week) result in a process that deters wildlife and does not produce foul odors. We visited an ASP site of a similar size in Westchester—it’s remarkable to be standing right next to these large piles and not smell any rotting food. Smelling is believing!
You can read my response to neighbors’ concerns in my update to the Town Planning Board for the May 1 meeting. You’ll also find a quick FAQ and a more in-depth presentation on www.rhinebeckcompost.org.
— Trustee Vanessa Bertozzi
Timeline:
October 2020 - October 2021 - Feasibility study with consultants from RIT’s Pollution Prevention Institute P2i.
January 2022 - The Village announces a food scrap drop-off pilot.
March 1 - Dec 31, 2022: Village Compost, the Village of Rhinebeck’s municipal compost pilot. Enabled 100 households + 6 businesses to divert 2 tons of food scraps per month. CO2e reduced by 4 tons per month = 10 cars off the road.
September 2022: The Village applies for two grants in hopes of creating a permanent composting program with our own community-scale compost facility at the Village Highway Department property. The Town Board passes a resolution to provide a letter of support.
January 2023: Village government gets two grants totaling $300,000 to construct a municipal composting facility at the Village Highway Department property. Compost process will be a special aerated static pile system (ASP), using the leaves and brush gathered through yard waste mulching and the equipment already on site. Village engineering firm, Tighe & Bond, created a proposal with an estimated budget.
February - present: Town Planning Board approval process. We presented to the Town Planning Board on March 6. Public hearing was held on April 3 at Town Hall. The public hearing period extended to May 1.