Massachusetts city requests proposals for composting program

The city of Taunton, Massachusetts, will release a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a company to establish a composting program, the Taunton Gazette reports.

The selected company also would take over the city’s convenience center for trash drop-off, with a goal to explore solutions for managing waste more effectively after the closure and capping of the city’s landfill in 2020 and 2021.

The RFP aims to develop a composting and yard waste collection site that maximizes the use of city property and benefits the local and regional community. The chosen company would operate the convenience center under a 20-30 year lease with the city, with the flexibility to expand or relocate the facility as needed.

Under the RFP scope, the convenience center would accept items not handled through regular curbside trash and recycling pickup, and would ideally include free drop-off of yard waste, tree limbs and food compost. The city is asking for the company to operate its own free pickup service for food waste from Taunton Public Schools, and to offer a discounted rate for food waste pickup for residents and businesses.

Additionally, the company would establish additional drop-off sites throughout the city and would provide residents with a free amount of post-composted material for personal use, such as gardening purposes.

Pending a successful RFP, the city hopes to begin operations by early 2025. More information can be found here.