Like our other Close the Loop! regional programs, the Rutland loop demonstrates how private companies, public utilities, and non-profit organizations can work together to change the status quo of wasting food scraps by throwing them away. The program offers food scrap collection and recycling for businesses in the Rutland region.
Noah Fishman, program manager for Close the Loop, says the partnership between an independent waste hauling business (TAM Organics), the Rutland Solid Waste District, and the Highfields Center for Composting. is one of shared resources.
“We each have different roles in the program,” Noah says. “Highfields provides technical support for the composting site and we also handles the education and outreach to our food scrap generators. Trevor Mance, the owner/operator of TAM Organics, is a really great hauler – and a great guy to work with – who brings his vehicles and trained staff. And the Rutland Solid Waste District will support the program with general outreach and education in the community.”
When asked if anything is missing from the program, Noah says, “Yes, food scraps! We need Rutland businesses to sign up for the program. Once when we get enough participants to have a route, we’ll start recycling the food scraps.”
TAM Organics has the newest composting site in the state of Vermont. Highfields technical staff worked with owner/operator Trevor Manz to develop the site, following our quality standards, protocols and procedures. It is expected that the compost from this site will soon be approved for use on organic farms.
For more information about joining the loop in Rutland, contact Noah at (802) 472-5138 x 207 or noah@highfieldscomposting.org.