RACC Virtual Seminar Recording: Starting and Maintaining a Successful Composting Program

RACC 2020-21 Speaker Series “Conservation Today” March 10th
Starting and Maintaining a Successful Composting Program in Staunton, VA – Mary Satterfield & Barbara Brothers on March 10th, 2021

Volunteers with Shenandoah Green began a food waste collection program in September 2019 at the Saturday Staunton Farmers’ Market. Since then, over 10 tons of food waste from the Staunton/ Augusta County/ Waynesboro communities has been collected through this initiative. The success of this project depends on two mechanisms for food waste collection: a year-round drop-off site open at the Saturday Farmers’ Market, and shared compost bins in two neighborhoods. Funding for the project is through donations at the drop-off site and through subscriptions for the shared neighborhood bins. As this project has grown and flourished, despite the challenges of the past 18 months, it is clear that composting their food waste is an important way for many community members to make a contribution to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Mary Satterfield, a recent transplant to Staunton, comes from a background as a scientist and project developer with the federal government. She is delighted to find ways to contribute to a sustainable and healthy environment in the Shenandoah Valley.

Barbara Brothers, having begun the composting program in Staunton, now works on sustainable and regenerative food systems for healthier communities through Allegheny Mountain Institute. She is eager to work with RACC to help establish a composting program for the Lexington area.