Compost Buddies Program

To help renters participate in the city's organics recycling program, LHENA has developed a pilot program that matches homeowners who have organics bins with renters who do not have access. 

​The intent of the program is to provide an organics recycling option for renters of large (more than 4 units) residential buildings, who often do not have access to such services through their building. With over 80% of LHENA residents renting, a large number of residents do not have access to composting. This program seeks to start to address the gap in organics recycling opportunities in the neighborhood.

SIGN UP HERE

What is organics recycling? 
Organics recycling is a way for you to reduce waste, by collecting your food scraps and other compostable materials for recycling. The city of Minneapolis picks-up all the waste from this organics recycling drop-off location, and they have a wealth of resources about organics recycling on their website. For more information, check out: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/solid-waste/organics/acceptable-organics

How am I matched with a buddy?
You are matched based on two parameters. 1) Proximity: Ideally, we want buddies to live within a 3 blocks of each other and 2) Compatibility: We want to make sure a homeowner who wants to share their bin is paired with a buddy that will properly utilize that bin. Some homeowners have a lot of space in their bins to share, some do not. Some renters who sign-up live alone, some renters have 3 roommates. We try to gauge capacity and match accordingly. ​

How and when will I be notified of my match? 
You will be notified of your match via email. Matches are sent out at the beginning of each month. If you signed up and don't receive a match right away, it's because we're waiting for an available buddy that matches you in terms of proximity and compatibility. You will remain on the list until you are matched or until you request to be taken off the list. 

If I'm a renter, are there other ways to participate in organics recycling? 
Yes! You can use the Community Organics Recycling Drop-Off, located at the Wedge Co-op (more information here). Please note that the drop-off at the Wedge Co-op is very popular and many community members drop-off here. As a result, we cannot guarantee that there will always be space for you to drop-off your organics, should you choose this option. 

Compost Buddies is designed to provide some relief to our community drop-off, as well as make dropping off organics more convenient (your buddy may be closer to you than the Wedge Co-op). Also note that there are other drop-offs around the city of Minneapolis - the Wedge Co-op is just the closest option for our neighborhood.