Durham has launched a new composting pilot program aimed at reducing food waste and its environmental impact. The initiative, which started in July, provides residents and city employees with designated drop-off bins at City Hall and the Waste Disposal and Recycling Center on East Club Boulevard. The program is managed through the CompostHere app, allowing users to unlock containers, check bin capacity, and receive service alerts.

The program’s goal is to divert food waste from landfills, which contribute significantly to methane emissions. Since the program’s inception, approximately 2,090 pounds of food scraps have been collected from about 250 participants. The city hopes to expand the program by adding more drop-off locations, potentially making it even more convenient for residents like Joe Maxwell, who have limited space for composting.