C8.3: Recycle Organic Matter – Above Green

(3-5 points)

INTENT

Support nutrient cycling, improve soil health, and reduce transportation costs and materials going to landfills by recycling vegetation trimmings or food waste to generate compost and mulch.

REQUIREMENTS

Conduct a waste stream study to estimate the amount of vegetation trimmings and food waste, if applicable, that will be generated.
Compost and/or recycle:
- 100 percent of vegetation trimmings off site within 50 miles 3 points(80.47 kilometers)
- 100 percent of vegetation trimmings on site 4 points
- 100 percent of vegetation trimmings AND compostable food waste on site 5 points

Ensure the section of the site maintenance plan (see O+M P8.1: Plan for sustainable site maintenance) is complete and demonstrates anticipated strategies for composting or recycling any vegetation trimmings and food waste.

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES

Collect excess vegetation generated during site maintenance to divert to a composting facility on or off site.
Consider using a mulching mower when trimming grass and leaving plant materials in situ.
Sites with limited space for composting can utilize neighborhood facilities and programs to process organic matter.
If generating food waste, capitalize on the results of waste stream study to determine source reduction opportunities (e.g., alter purchasing practices, join food donation programs).