For those looking to lessen their carbon footprint, there’s a new compost pick-up provider in town.

Dave and Michele Bloovman are the husband-wife duo behind Circle Compost, named after the “circle of life” that compost provides. I sat down with Dave to ask about his business and how Circle Compost is setting up for success.

Circle Compost: Philadelphia curbside pickup

The passion started from reality. As Dave was looking at graphs, he was shocked at how much organic waste goes into landfills (as much as 30-40%), both in the US and abroad. As we know, that organic waste releases methane gas and wastes precious nutrients that can enhance our soil – which provides life to plants. He adopted the tagline “feed soil, not landfills” appropriately.

To distinguish himself from competitors, Dave wants to make the business sustainable from end-to-end. Currently, Circle Compost completes its pickup route by bicycle where possible and is looking for a long-term sustainable pickup model without using fossil fuels.

Bloovman donates the compost picked up from customers to the Novick Family Urban Farm in South Philadelphia. Customers include neighbors and businesses alike: His first clients include residents, but also has partnered with businesses including a coffee shop, bagel joint & daycare.

Composting: Start ‘Em Young

Dave’s wife, Michele, is a food scientist who enjoys fermenting and loves to cook. Dave and Michele teach their two children (3 1/2 and 7) all about composting, and started working with their children’s daycare on a food waste solution.

The Caring Center (31st & Spring Garden)’s Executive Director Justin Bell realized that it was important to get their facility on the compost wagon. Composting with these young tykes goes beyond the motions, with a mission to educate children on the importance of composting. “The younger they can learn that apple cores and banana peels are not trash, the less of this stuff should end up in landfills,” according to Bloovman.

How to sign up for Circle Compost

Ready to get started? You can sign up for Circle Compost. You’ll get a 5-gallon bucket, and pickup is once a week priced at $15/month. Read the full list of

Read the full list of what you can compost here. They’ll also offer leaf pickup this fall.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher