Founded in 2012 in Portland, Maine, Garbage to Garden is a pioneering curbside composting service designed to facilitate food waste recycling for urban residents, schools, and businesses. Recognizing the challenges faced by apartment dwellers who often lack the space for traditional composting, founder Tyler Frank launched the service to enable easily disposing of food scraps at the curb, just like regular trash. Initially starting as a grassroots initiative during a local art event, Garbage to Garden quickly gained traction, with 17 households subscribing on the first night. Today, the service operates in Portland and surrounding areas, reaching over 10,000 households, schools, and commercial entities across Maine and Massachusetts, including a successful satellite service in cities like Somerville and Boston. Garbage to Garden stands out for accepting all types of food waste, including meat and dairy, thanks to its meticulous composting processes. Partnering with local farms, the company utilizes advanced composting techniques, such as 'windrows,' where waste is broken down through the energy of heat-producing bacteria, allowing even bones and pathogens to disappear. The company embodies a mission of sustainability and community support while closing the nutrient loop. By composting food scraps, Garbage to Garden not only aids in fostering healthier soil but also positively impacts air quality and water conservation. The ethos of the organization underscores its commitment to making composting accessible and appealing to all residents, echoing its popular motto: 'If it grows, it goes!' Additionally, the company promotes environmental awareness and seeks to support the local economy, embodying a community-driven approach to managing food waste. As recognition of its efforts, Garbage to Garden has received various awards reflecting its impact on environmentally responsible practices within the community.
