Background:
Food waste represents a significant portion of the municipal solid waste stream and presents an opportunity to reduce waste from being landfilled, through a composting program. Composting programs convert organic waste such as food scraps and yard waste into a beneficial soil amendment, supporting environmental sustainability and reducing landfill dependence.
At the March 24, 2026, City Commission Meeting, the City Commission discussed composting and directed staff to evaluate composting program options. City staff researched composting programs within neighboring municipalities and proposes to create a Composting Pilot Program to evaluate the feasibility of expanding composting opportunities in the City of Sunrise. Beyond waste reduction, composting programs contribute to community education, resource recovery, and long-term behavioral change toward sustainable practices.
The proposed pilot program would:
- Identify a dedicated drop-off location on the Municipal Campus
- Serve up to 50 residents
- Participants are required to attend a “Composting 101” training by City staff with contracted vendor
- Participants will be provided starter materials, including a small City branded collection container and compostable bags
- Purchase a secured collection container to accommodate a 64 gallon collection container with electronic individual access codes for each participant
- Utilize a contracted vendor for twice weekly collection from the dedicated collection container and delivery to an offsite location for processing
- Vendor will provide composted material back to the City for use/distribution
- Provide opportunities for each participant to receive composted material
- All excess composted material will be donated to a City school or utilized by the City
- Estimated Pilot Program Cost: Approximately $15,000