If all goes well, a new solar-powered composting center may soon be coming to Gowanus. The facility, which would be located at Second Avenue near the Gowanus Canal, would allow area residents to keep their household food scraps and organic waste out of landfills by bringing them to be transformed into compost for area gardens. The initiative, a partnership between The Gowanus Canal Conservancy and the Department of Sanitation, could divert 36,000 pounds of organic waste a month if implemented.
The proposed site for the solar-powered facility already boasts a small composting presence, with volunteers cultivating a small program over the last six years. Should the plan get approved, the new center could quadruple the composting program, allowing more Gowanus locals to participate.
Currently, the Conservancy collects scraps from residents and farmers markets to divert around 9,000 pounds of organic waste from local landfills a month. The new center could divert 36,000 pounds of waste a month, and create compost to be used for street trees, wildflower planters and to be sold to homeowners for their private gardens.
The new center, which would take over a space currently used by the Department of Sanitation for housing salt and sand, would be an open-air shelter, giving volunteers a roof over their heads, to making work days in the rain a bit more comfortable. The structure would also have a solar-powered light and fan that will help speed up the composting process.
The Conservancy is currently seeking public input on the project by holding a series of community discussions inviting area residents to put in their two cents.
Via DNA Info