BROOKINGS (11-5-26) – The City of Brookings’ one-year food compost pilot program will come to an end later this month.
The four collection containers used for the pilot will be removed from the drop-off locations at noon Friday, Nov. 27.
The pilot program was conducted in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), which will use the findings to help inform statewide composting policies, permitting requirements and funding strategies.
The pilot program operated under a one-year permit variance from the DANR. That State authorization expires at the end of November. Upon expiration of the permit variance, the food compost pilot program will need to end.
“We’re thankful the state provided us the opportunity to conduct the pilot program,” said Solid Waste Manager Charlie Kuhn. “It provided valuable insights to help the DANR evaluate the feasibility of food waste composting in South Dakota and identify practical paths for future long-term implementation.”
As part of the pilot program, community members were invited to drop off food scraps and other accepted compostables at designated drop-off locations around town. The drop-off bins were inspected and collected weekly. The compostables were taken to the Brookings Regional Landfill, where the scraps were mixed and turned. They are currently are in the process of being recycled into compost. The final compost material created through the pilot program is expected to be used by the City’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.
“We are grateful for the participation of community members,” said Katie Stiegelmeier, business operations manager for the City’s Solid Waste Division. “While the City will no longer have State authority to provide this service, we encourage people to consider backyard composting as an alternative.”
During the one-year program, over 15 tons – around 31,000 pounds – of food waste was collected. The Brookings Solid Waste Division also gave out 250 compost buckets to residents interested in the program.
Even though the pilot program is ending, Kuhn said, City staff will continue to assess the feasibility of future program opportunities as the state’s permitting process and food waste policies evolve.
Staff will present the findings of the one-year pilot program to City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 24.
— From the City of Brookings
