Good news for rotting vegetables in Philly today.

The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability recently discovered that we spend $6.1 million per year transferring uneaten food to landfills, and are now considering a composting program like Austin, New York and San Fran. Food waste takes up around 23% of our waste composition, which is pretty comparable to the national average.

City Council Hearing: Food Waste “Recycling” (aka composting)

Councilwoman Cindy Bass and a Joint Committee on Streets & Services and the Environment are holding a hearing today to consider if a food waste recycling (read: composting) would work in Philly, based on Resolution No. 140626. Hearing is at 2 PM, in the City Hall Council Chambers.

This is a step up from the city’s previous garbage disposal campaign. As a loyal Bennett Composter, composting is easy – and you can even compost dryer lint & cat hair. Amazing!

You can RSVP for the hearing today, or just show up.

Experts testifying today include:

• McGillin’s Old Ale House
• Philadelphia Prisons
• Brenda Platt, Institute for Local Self Reliance & US Composting Council
• RecycleNow Philadelphia

Councilmembers Bass & O’Brien introduced the measure, and it’s co-sponsored by Reynolds Brown and Squilla.

Photo: BY VIKTOR HANACEK

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher