Story: Composting on Great Diamond Island

On Great Diamond Island, a community-led composting program is transforming how residents handle waste and strengthening community ties along the way. The effort began when local resident Steven Moore mobilized the island’s homeowners association to improve food waste management in the community. He attended the University of Maine’s composting school to learn best practices, then returned to share his knowledge with others in the community. With Steven’s leadership and the support of dedicated volunteers, the program officially launched in 2020 as a membership-based, volunteer-run initiative, giving residents an accessible way to reduce waste.

Removing garbage from the island is no small feat, so there was strong motivation to reduce what had to be hauled off. At first, though, not everyone was convinced. The group’s initial proposal for the composting site was to locate it near the community garden; however, this was met with resistance due to its close proximity to a residential area. Neighbors living near the proposed site expressed concern about potential odors from the composting operation. In response to these concerns, the group decided to choose a location further away from the residential area, allowing them to move forward with the project while addressing community feedback. With a new site secured, the group launched a pilot year to test the system and build community trust. Community engagement occurred as residents were invited to visit the site, ask questions, and be part of the process. This engagement played a key role in shifting perceptions and growing support.

The program currently includes 25 households and, in 2022, it diverted 4,000 pounds of organic waste from the community’s waste stream. Participants who contribute their time and effort are able to access the compost produced. Additionally, the island’s restaurant, Crown Jewel, launched its own composting program in 2022 and now diverts over 95% of its waste, becoming the first commercial entity on the island to contribute compostable material. One of the key motivators was the island’s strict wastewater restrictions, which limit how many gallons each property can contribute to the system daily. By diverting food scraps from the sink and into compost, the restaurant was able to reduce its wastewater output. The team also brought their own commitment and creativity to the effort, building on the knowledge and groundwork laid by Steven. With high-quality compost material produced, the restaurant plans to sell its compost and close the loop on its sustainability efforts.

Workdays at the compost site have also become a community-building opportunity where residents gather to work, learn, and connect. Volunteers say the workdays are fun, as people make it part of their weekly routine to come together and work together. The initiative has not only reduced waste on the island, it has also strengthened relationships and fostered composting education.

Project Description

A community-driven composting program that encourages local residents to compost organic waste at home or at a centralized composting site. This initiative involves educating community members on the benefits of composting, providing necessary materials (such as compost bins), and offering drop-off points for larger composting efforts. The goal is to reduce landfill waste, improve soil quality, and create a more sustainable community. Community composters are located at schools, universities, community gardens, farms, and many other places – urban, rural, and suburban. Their distinguishing feature is keeping the process and product as local as possible while engaging the community through participation and education.

Why This Project Matters 

• Waste Reduction:

  • Composting diverts food scraps and other organic materials from landfills and incinerators, reducing the volume of trash that must be managed and transported. This helps lower the strain on municipal waste systems, saves money, and decreases reliance on polluting disposal methods.

• Emissions Reduction:

  • When food waste ends up in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas over 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in the short term. Composting keeps organic waste out of landfills and reduces these emissions. While it’s one piece of the puzzle, composting is a tangible, community-driven climate action that becomes even more powerful when scaled and replicated across neighborhoods and towns.

• Improved Soil:

  • Compost enhances soil structure to better withstand droughts and floods. It helps soil hold more water, reducing the need for watering. Compost also improves soil fertility and health, and the ability of plants to fight pests and diseases. Without healthy soils, we cannot have healthy foods. 

• Pollution Mitigation:

  • Amending contaminated soils with compost reduces the bioavailability of lead and arsenic. Compost also filters pollutants from urban stormwater.

• Community Engagement:

  • Composting is a direct way to be active in caring for the earth and our community. Participants learn firsthand how garden trimmings and food scraps can be recycled into compost to grow more food. Neighbors come together for a common cause, improving the social fabric of the community.