Compost for Columbus: A Policy Benchmarking Project

Course Code: ENR/AEDE 4567The purpose of this report is to help the Compost Exchange and other composting stakeholders better understand how composting services can be increased in Central Ohio amid the landscape of policy and infrastructure dynamics that influence the economics and logistics of composting services. In order to do so, our team benchmarked other cities that have implemented waste bans, researched current compost policies and regulations statewide and in Central Ohio, examined the demographics of Ohio suburbs to identify likely communities where composting can be enhanced, considered political barriers to composting policy, and examined infrastructure dynamics, particularly in relation to the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO). We conducted key informant interviews with staff at SWACO, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ohio State University, and other municipalities to complement information we obtained through literature and online research, and we combined the results from all of these methods to produce a list of recommendations for how to improve composting in Central Ohio. Seven cities in the United States currently have food waste bans that serve as a benchmark to compare to a Central Ohio baseline. Austin, TX proved to be the most similar city to Columbus that currently has a food waste ban. Analysis of local demographics provided perspective on which composting policies might be most likely to be developed around Central Ohio. Key informant interviews added detail to our understanding and also provided a number of specific recommendations. Key barriers to food waste policies being passed in Central Ohio are political considerations, infrastructure, contamination, funding, and enforcement. As Central Ohio does not have any current food waste policies, this project focused on the steps necessary to prepare for one but also considered future barriers. This report highlighted recommendations to overcome these barriers, with a focus on collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and stakeholders to efficiently use resources and support available.Academic Major: Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainabilit