10:00-11:30 AM: Food Scrap Composting Success: Stories From the Field

Composting systems come in all shapes and sizes. This panel represents different scales of commercial facilities, as well as on-farm composting. Join us to get an overview of these different types of operations, including permit size; accepted materials; recipe development and sourcing; hauler relations; customer training; marketing; and more. Through discussion you’ll learn about advantages or disadvantages to advancing to the next permit level; systems and process improvements; relationship building; as well as the challenges and opportunities that come with different scale and system choices.

1:00-2:30 PM: Compostables, Disposables, and Durables – A look at food service options in Vermont, the opportunities they offer and the challenges they present

Vermont, its people and its institutions tend to take a progressive approach towards solid waste management and try to make decisions based with minimal environmental impact wherever possible. Balancing between environmental benefit, function, practicality, convenience, and cost is a challenge at best.

3:00-4:30 PM: Food Scrap Diversion Strategies for Multi-Unit Complexes

Multi-unit complexes present unique challenges for implementing and sustaining food scrap diversion programs. Many have offsite managers; trash, recycling, and food scrap collection services are often communal, with little oversight; space to expand collection bins to accommodate food scrap collection is often limited; outreach may require special tools for training; many are renter-occupied with higher occupant turnover; and, like other residential areas, issues with bears, raccoons, and squirrels are a concern.

This panel reviews the Vermont Rental Housing Code and compliance for implementation of Act 148 at multi-unit complexes; discuss strategies for collection containers (such as wildlife-resistant containers); working with haulers; program implementation strategies; outreach and education strategies including tools for landlords/property managers, condominium and renter associations, and tenants, such as enhanced resident engagement through community meetings and door-to-door outreach, signage, brochures, etc.; technical assistance tactics for implementation, including tips on how to apply collection charges, dealing with odor, flies, and wildlife issues, low participation, and, more.

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