Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** this project pilots composting at…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** this project pilots composting at multifamily (5 or more unit) properties in the city of portland with the intention of better understanding what technology and infrastructure characteristics inform a successful compost program.multifamily properties currently represent approximately 48% of housing units in portland and are an increasing proportion of housing in the city. Residential single-family properties have had curbside compost in portland since 2011 but composting remains optional for multifamily properties due to the unique challenges of these larger buildings. Lack of compost collection creates an unequal service standard between single-family and multifamily residents in the city of portland while increasing the landfilling of food waste. Landfilling food waste is a lost opportunity to increase soil health and equitable food access and IT increases portland's methane emissions.piloting multifamily compost service will give portland a better understanding of existing problems in implementing multifamily compost service and potential technology inputs to improve compost participation and reduce compost contamination. Gathering survey inputs from haulers property managers and tenantswill provide qualitative information to assist in education and outreach for compost expansion to all multifamily properties addressing the challenges of public opinion when new services are required. Combined with a partnership to provide free compost to local school and community gardens with growing gardens piloting multifamily composting will increase circularity of food systems and help tenants see the benefit of their efforts.