Sustainability Commission

AGENDA OF THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025, 5:00 PM In person at City Hall, Room 310. Virtual attendance also available via Zoom. A. Zoom Meeting Information. 1. Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82236285137?pwd=bzBScDVVRysrQlpSZEZpK2FMSnd4Zz09 Or call in by phone: +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 822 3628 5137 Passcode: 769016 If you wish to speak at this public meeting or leave a comment, please fill out the online Comment Form prior to the meeting. More detailed Zoom Instructions can be found online. B. Roll Call. 1. Chair- Christa Kananen; Vice Chair- Ned Dorff; Alder Joey Prestley; Julia Noordyk; Jenny Brinker; Amy Kox; Mark Walter; Daniela Beall; Staff person- Kaurie Mihm C. Approval of the Agenda. 1. Approval of the agenda for the Wednesday, July 16, 2025, meeting of the Sustainability Commission. D. Approval of Minutes. 1. Approval of the minutes from the June 19, 2025 meeting. E. Presentations 1. Selena Darrow of Rooted In Inc. presents, The Current Landscape of Food Waste and Recovery in Greater Green Bay. F. Announcements. -NONE Agenda of the Sustainability Commission July 16, 2025 Page 1 G. Regular Business. 1. Recycling in City Parks, Including Bay Beach Amusement Park H. Informational. 1. Discussion and feedback on the draft Comprehensive Plan 2. Mosquito Bucket Challenge 3. Update Re: Food Waste Compost Pilot staff research 4. Work Group Reports a. Youth Engagement Work Group 5. Next Meeting: August 20, 2025 I. Adjournment. 1. Adjournment of the Wednesday, July 16, 2025, meeting of the Sustainability Commission. 1) THIS MEETING IS RECORDED: THE VIDEO OF THIS MEETING AND MINUTES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.greenbaywi.gov 2) ACCESSIBILITY: Any person wishing to attend who requires special accommodation because of a disability, should contact the City Safety Manager at 920-448-3125 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting time so that arrangements can be made. 3) QUORUM: Please take notice that a majority or quorum of the Common Council will attend this Sustainability Commission meeting and will constitute a meeting of the Common Council for purposes of discussion and information gathering relative to this agenda. 4) REPRESENTATION: The party requesting the communication, or their representative, should be present at this meeting. Agenda of the Sustainability Commission July 16, 2025 Page 2  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE July 16, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # D.1 Approval of the minutes from the June 19, 2025 meeting. BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. Sustainability Minutes 06 19 2025 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  MINUTES OF THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025, 5:00 PM In person at City Hall, Room 310. Virtual attendance also available via Zoom. A. ZOOM MEETING INFORMATION. 1. Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82236285137?pwd=bzBScDVVRysrQlpSZEZpK2FMSnd4Zz09 Or call in by phone: +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 822 3628 5137 Passcode: 769016 If you wish to speak at this public meeting or leave a comment, please fill out the online Comment Form prior to the meeting. More detailed Zoom Instructions can be found online. B. ROLL CALL. 1. Chair- Christa Kananen; Vice Chair- Ned Dorff; Alder Joey Prestley; Julia Noordyk; Jenny Brinker; Amy Kox; Mark Walter; Daniela Beall; Staff person- Kaurie Mihm Present: Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk Excused: Mark Walter, Ned Dorff Absent: None. C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA. 1. Approval of the agenda for the Thursday, June 19, 2025, meeting of the Sustainability Commission. Moved by Ald. Joey Prestley, seconded by Christa Kananen to approve. Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. 1. Approval of the minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting. Moved by Ald. Joey Prestley, seconded by Jenny Brinker to approve. Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. E. REGULAR BUSINESS. 1. For consideration with possible action to recommend the Resolution Opposing the Repeal of Clean Energy Funding Programs in House Concurrent Resolution 14 to Common Council or a standing committee. Moved by Julia Noordyk, seconded by Jenny Brinker to open the floor. Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. Member of the public: Sr. Sally Ann Brickner, 3110 Nicolet Dr. offered comment and suggestions on wording changes for the proposed resolution. Moved by Ald. Joey Prestley, seconded by Julia Noordyk to close the floor. Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. Moved by Christa Kananen, seconded by Ald. Joey Prestley to recommend the resolution as amended to Common Council for adoption. Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. 2. Discussion and possible action by the Sustainability Commission to draft a Rights of Nature resolution.  Moved by Julia Noordyk, seconded by Jenny Brinker to open the floor. Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. Member of the public: Sr. Sally Ann Brickner, 3110 Nicolet Dr. offered comments and support for the drafting a Rights of Nature resolution. Moved by Ald. Joey Prestley, seconded by Parks Design and Development Kaurie Mihm to close the floor. Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. Moved by Ald. Joey Prestley, seconded by Parks Design and Development Kaurie Mihm to Referring the Commission to proceed with a collaborative process for drafting a Rights of Nature resolution.. Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. F. INFORMATIONAL. 1. Youth Engagement Work Group Moved by Ald. Joey Prestley, seconded by Christa Kananen to receive and place on file. Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. 2. Climate Resilience Work Group Report Moved by Ald. Joey Prestley, seconded by Christa Kananen to receive and place on file the Climate Resiliency work group report. . Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. 3. Resiliency Coordinator Updates Moved by Julia Noordyk, seconded by Christa Kananen to receive and place on file the Resiliency Coordinator update. . Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall,  Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. 4. Next Meeting: July 16, 2025 G. ADJOURNMENT. 1. Adjournment for the Thursday, June 19, 2025, meeting of the Sustainability Commission. Moved by Jenny Brinker, seconded by Christa Kananen to adjourn. Motion Passed. Yes-Kaurie Mihm, Amy Kox, Christa Kananen, Jenny Brinker, Joey Prestley, Daniela Beall, Julia Noordyk, No-None, Abstain-None. Welcome to Rooted In Inc. A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization in Greater Green Bay, Wisconsin Founded- 2023 OUR TEAM Our Team is Like a Seed- We Plant Ideas that Grow Founder & Executive Director Selena Darrow Board of Directors Advisory Team President- Andrea Werner Andy DiMezza- Incorporator, Neighbor Works Secretary- Lynn Kitslaar Linda Tarlton- Trinity Lutheran Church Treasurer- Emily Lo Dawn Rentmeester- NWTC Micayla Dabeck- Speech Language Pathologist Intern Marta Ehlert Cisler- Associated Bank Kirsten Larsen- NOAA Alex Lindbom- UWGB Dietetics Student Deb Polster- Quali T, Inc. OUR MISSION We build a “community table” where all people are nourished and uplifted. By bringing people together, we improve access to fresh and nutritious foods as a tool for transforming health and wellbeing. OUR VISION A future where all people are nourished OUR VALUES Community Compassion Empowerment Equity Resilience Programs NOURISHMENT FOR ALL A holistic program that ensures access to sustainable food that increases nutrition security. Chefs Table A recipe program that inspires and teaches the community to use local ingredients from farmers markets and Wisconsin artisans to cook nutritious food at Cooking for the Community: home. 8000 Meals Made The Glean Team A program that recovers surplus food that would otherwise go to waste to feed our community. The Glean Team A program that rescues surplus food that would otherwise go to waste to feed our community. Food Recovery: NFL Draft, community gardens, individuals, food businesses, events Opportunities: restaurants, gas stations, vending, food distributors, grocery stores The Glean Team total food recovered and donated: SustainAbility by Rooted In Empower the community with the knowledge and actionable steps to reduce food 24,328 lbs waste, reduce surplus food, lower the carbon footprint and use these resources to nourish those in need. Global Impact: Food Waste Food loss, hunger, and waste are global issues. In 2022, the world wasted 1.05 billion tons of food 783 million people went hungry. 30% global population experienced food insecurity. Food waste drives 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—more than the aviation sectors Contributes to biodiversity loss Consumes 1/3rd agricultural land. Costs the world $1 trillion annually in wasted resources. The UN highlights food recovery and composting as key climate and food security solutions Urges nations to include food waste reduction in their climate strategies through policy, technology, education, and infrastructure. National Impact: Food Waste Fixing Our Broken Food System In 2023, 31% of the 237 million tons of food produced in the U.S. went unsold or uneaten Most—63 million tons—ending up as waste. Represents nearly 120 billion lost meals and a 1.4% loss of U.S. GDP. Food waste squanders vital resources like water, energy, and labor. Global and national leaders have committed to cutting food loss and waste by half by 2030. On June 12, 2024, the U.S. released its National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics. Four key objectives guided by the EPA’s Wasted Food Scale: Preventing food loss Preventing food waste Increasing organic waste recycling Promoting supportive policies and incentives. ReFED’s Roadmap to 2030 outlines seven key action areas and over 40 proven solutions, Cost of Food Waste EPA Estimate: Cost of food waste to each U.S. consumer- $728 per year (about $14 per week). Household of four, the annual cost of food waste- $2,913 ($56 per week) despite the rising cost of groceries 11% of an American consumer's total food expenditures. Typical family could save between $100 and $300 each month by prioritizing food waste reduction. 43% of U.S. consumers say they always or usually discard food near or past the label date (up from 37% in 2016). California’s Assembly Bill 660 (AB 660), effective July 1, 2026, aims to reduce food waste by standardizing date labels on packaged foods. The law requires manufacturers to use clear terms: "Best if Used By" for quality "Use By" for safety It also bans "Sell By" dates on consumer packaging, which are often misinterpreted and lead to unnecessary food waste. First law of its kind in the U.S., reduce confusion and help consumers make informed decisions about food freshness and safety. Wisconsin Impact: Food Waste Food waste and scraps make up the largest part of trash in Wisconsin landfills. Food waste is the largest contributor to Wisconsin landfills 1.2 billion pounds discarded annually—while 1 in 7 households face food insecurity (WDNR, 2021). More than 15.4% of waste in this region comes from food, exceeding the state average. Wasted food means wasted resources, time, and money. Reducing food waste conserves resources, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens food security. Food waste costs households an estimated $1,866 per year ($56 for a household of four per week) Includes the cost of purchasing food that is ultimately discarded and the cost associated with its disposal. Reducing food waste can significantly lower household expenses and benefit the environment. 2025- WDNR launched a statewide food waste management evaluation aims to expand food recovery, composting, and resource-sharing among organizations and municipalities. Milwaukee's Solution– FEED The Power of Public-Private Partnerships The FEED MKE Pilot Project, launched by the City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office with USDA funding, is a two-year initiative addressing its 18.4% food insecurity rate, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability. Rooted in Milwaukee’s Climate and Equity Plan, the project brings together public, private, and nonprofit partners to tackle food waste and improve food access. Key Goals & Outcomes: Increase access to nutritious food by recovering and redistributing surplus. Compost ~250,000 pounds of food waste to improve soil health. Cut 260 metric tons of CO₂e emissions. Reduce waste throughout the food cycle. Use industry metrics to track impact and recommend system-wide improvements. Four Core Strategies: 1. Raising Awareness through education, workshops, and public engagement. 2. Building Partnerships to connect food donors with those in need. 3. Launching a City-Wide Food Saver Challenge to engage residents and businesses in food-saving efforts. 4. Investing in Solutions via $190,000 in mini-grants supporting food recovery and composting initiatives. FEED MKE aims to create a more equitable and sustainable food system for all Milwaukee residents. City of Green Bay Sustainability Commission 2025- 2026 Work Plan Waste Reduction Research, Data, or Evidence Partners USDA Composting & Food Reduction Program Public Works US EPA Food waste program Parks Dept. ReFED UWGB Wisconsin municipal programs NWTC Organics Facility/Farm Actions Compost Collector Establish a program to provide home composting bins throughout the community. Funding Sources Establish pilot collection program. USDA Composting & Food Reduction Identify end location and use for organic material. Cooperative Agreements Educate the public on food waste reduction. US EPA Grant Programs Reduce contamination. Point Person Target Dates Mark Walter, Business Development Manager, Compost bin sales in 2025 Brown County Port & Resource Recovery Department Solution Strategies Across the U.S., public, private, and community sectors are advancing food waste solutions through policy, infrastructure, and collaboration. The Zero Food Waste Coalition recommends stronger focus on food donations. California’s SB 1383, a leading example, mandates both edible food recovery and landfill diversion—achieving 94% of its 2025 food recovery goal by 2023. Key Strategies: 1. Public Education: Campaigns help consumers reduce household waste. a. Food Waste Prevention Week September 28 - October 4. 2026, Save the Food, Spoonfuls Food Waste Challenge 2. Food Recovery Policies: Encouraged by U.S. Conference of Mayors to promote collaboration and local assessments. a.Impact of federal cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid will put extreme pressure on food banks and food pantries who are already strained. 3.Donation Support: Policies are evolving to make food donation easier and boost hunger relief. 4. Community Collaboration: Cities work with nonprofits, schools, and businesses to amplify impact. a. Milwaukee FEED- federal Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant application includes mini grant to Rooted In to expand our food recovery and food insecurity reduction programs. b.Reduce cafeteria waste and promote donation with legal protections. c.Business incentives: Tax credits, grants and carbon credits to support food waste reduction. 5. Food Waste Diversion: Mechanisms to keep food waste out of landfills, investment in composting infrastructure. 6.Ordinances: Mandates like in San Francisco require food waste separation. Together, these strategies aim to prevent waste, feed people, and create a more sustainable food system. Next Steps Consider a reprioritization of Commission Work Plan action steps Focus on public food waste reduction strategies Partnership with Rooted In Food waste prevention, education, food recovery and donation support Rooted In/Selena: Join and add additional members to the waste reduction working group Applied to join Commission- November 2025 Contact Selena Darrow Executive Director www.rootedininc.org 330 S. Broadway St. Rooted In Inc. Green Bay, WI 54303 Rootedin_gb selena@rootedininc.org Rooted In Inc. 920-676-7506  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE July 16, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # G.1 Recycling in City Parks, Including Bay Beach Amusement Park BACKGROUND Green Bay's city parks, including Bay Beach Amusement Park, currently lack consistent access to public recycling receptacles. This gap presents a missed opportunity to divert recyclable materials from the landfill and support the City’s broader sustainability goals. With high visitor traffic—especially during the summer months—Bay Beach and other major parks generate a significant volume of recyclable items. Several community members and Commission stakeholders have expressed interest in expanding recycling access throughout the park system to improve waste diversion and reinforce the City’s commitment to sustainability. RECOMMENDATION Refer this item to the Parks Committee and then City staff for further exploration, including a cost assessment, feasibility analysis, conversations with other cities with successful park recycling programs about best practices and/or challenges, and phasing or piloting options for implementing recycling receptacles at Bay Beach and across city parks. FISCAL IMPACT To be determined. Staff referral includes a review of anticipated costs for receptacle purchase, collection logistics, labor, signage, and public education. Opportunities for grant funding or public-private partnerships may also be explored. ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE July 16, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # H.1 Discussion and feedback on the draft Comprehensive Plan BACKGROUND The City’s Planning Department is in the final stages of drafting a new Comprehensive Plan for the City. This plan is a 30-year long-range plan intended to guide the City (all departments and commissions) concerning development, programming, budgeting, and general growth. Planning staff are currently seeking any recommendations that commissions may have on this draft of the plan. Comments should reflect the view of the commission as a whole. The next steps in the review process will be open to the public, and individual comments will be collected at that time. The Commission is free to review the entire document, but specific sections related to sustainability are listed below. Commission comments are due by Monday, July 21st. • Housing & Neighborhoods, Page 20-27 • Port, Fox River, Adaptive Reuse, Page 30-31 • Transit-Oriented Development, Page 32 • Complete Streets, Streetscaping, Active Transportation, Public Transportation, Page 40-49 • Emerging Technologies (Transportation), Page 51 • Infrastructure Services, Page 58 A link to the draft comprehensive plan was sent to commission members on July 9, 2025. RECOMMENDATION The Sustainability Commission submits consensus-based comments to city staff no later than Monday, July 21st. FISCAL IMPACT None. ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE July 16, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # H.2 Mosquito Bucket Challenge BACKGROUND Fogging mosquitoes harms more than just mosquitoes. This method can harm birds, pollinators, pets, and kids. The Mosquito Bucket is an alternative method that uses nature to battle the pests. Mosquitoes lay eggs in the standing water in the bucket. The bucket contains an added natural soil bacterium called Bti, which kills the larvae before they grow up. This method, sometimes called a “bucket of doom” or “mosquito tea,” creates an irresistible breeding site and then shuts it down—without harming pollinators, pets, or people. Homegrown National Park has created numerous educational videos and guides for homeowners to make their own Mosquito Bucket. To promote this alternative control method, the Green Bay Conservation Corps will be offering free kits to help people get started. All materials in the kit are recycled, except for the Bti, which the Green Bay Conservation Corps will provide. Each kit includes: • Informational instructions • 5-gallon bucket • Wire lid with “rescue sticks” • Plant material • Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) A limited number of kits (25) will be available in August. Residents who are interested in a kit can pick it up at the welcome desk of the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Center (1660 East Shore Drive, Green Bay) while supplies last. For questions, contact Maria Otto, Conservation Corps Coordinator at maria.otto@greenbaywi.gov. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Sustainability Commission support the Mosquito Bucket Challenge by a receive and place on file "stamp of approval" vote and promotional support. FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. Mosquito+Bucket+Challenge+Flyer 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov page 2 of 2  Mosquito Bucket Challenge Control Mosquitoes – Protect Wildlife A Safer Alternative to Fogging HOW IT WORKS WHY IT WORKS 1. Fill & Bait The bucket draws in mosquitoes already Fill a 2–5 gal bucket 2/3 with water and add nearby (not from far away), then stops the next a handful of leaves or grass. generation before it hatches. It works because of Bti, a natural bacterium 2. Add Mosquito Dunk that targets mosquito larvae but doesn’t harm Use 1/4 of a mosquito dunk (wildlife-friendly biodiversity like bees, birds, or butterflies. & kid-safe). Replace dunk monthly. 3. Add Cover or “Rescue Stick” Add wire mesh or a lid with holes to keep kids and pets out, or place a stick inside so small animals can climb out. WHY NOT FOG? Fogging hurts more than it helps. It kills 4. Place & Label wildlife, is harmful to your pets and kids, and Set buckets in shady spots around your yard. doesn’t even stop mosquitoes at the source — Add our sticker or a sign to let neighbors it misses the larvae, where real control know what it is. happens. SPREAD THE My wildlife-fr MOSQUITO iendly LEARN MORE WORD WITH BUCKET Scan for how-to, FAQs A STICKER A safer alterna tive to fogging and advocacy tools: Help your bucket teach your neighbors with Scan here to make your own! the official sticker (vinyl or printable). MosquitoBucketChallenge.org A project from Cofounded by Doug Tallamy, author of Nature’s Best Hope  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE July 16, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # H.3 Update Re: Feasibility of developing a food waste composting pilot program with input from the Sustainability Commission. BACKGROUND Since the City of Green Bay’s Food Composting Pilot was referred to staff in April 2025 for further exploration, several steps have been taken to research and gather information to inform potential next steps: Staff compiled examples of municipal food waste composting programs in peer communities such as Dane County, Sun Prairie, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, Franklin County (OH), and Hennepin County (MN). These examples illustrated different models, including drop-off and curbside pickup options, as well as partnerships with private haulers. Resources from the EPA and the Wisconsin DNR were gathered, including toolkits, webinars, peer networks, and technical assistance focused on food waste prevention, composting infrastructure, and program design. These resources include EPA’s Sustainable Management of Food resources, Community Composting Toolkit, and DNR’s Organics Management News. Detailed research was conducted on composting equipment appropriate for small-scale or pilot programs, particularly focused on rodent-proof tumbling composters suitable for use at the Wildlife Sanctuary or other potential demonstration sites. Various composters were evaluated for capacity, ease of use, durability, and cost. Operational best practices for composting were reviewed, including the importance of carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, temperature management for effective composting, and considerations for animal control and odor management. Thermometers and compost jackets were identified as potential tools to monitor compost conditions. Additional research focused on the feasibility of implementing a pilot composting program at the Wildlife Sanctuary. This included selecting equipment suitable for the site, understanding regulatory requirements (noting that small volumes would not require a DNR compost facility license), and outlining maintenance needs to manage food waste without attracting vermin. The next steps include gathering additional feedback from the Sustainability Commission before staff prepare final recommendations for consideration by the Parks Department. Staff is positioned to provide recommendations on equipment purchase, potential partnerships, operational guidelines for launching a small-scale pilot, potentially beginning at the Wildlife Sanctuary or another City facility. RECOMMENDATION 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov Informational update. FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. compost pilot research page 2 of 2 Green Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Compost Bin Research 1660 E Shore Dr, Green Bay, WI 54302 6/11/2025 1 Table of Contents Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Composting Food Waste and Other Source-Separated Compostable Materials at Yard Residuals Facilities ………………………………………………. 4 Carbon to Nitrogen Ratios and Food Waste …………………………………..4 Tumbling Composters …………………………………………………………………….. 5 Lifetime 100-Gallon Double Bin Rotating Composter…………………………. 5 100-Gal Dual Bin Compost Tumbler……………………..………………………8 Black + Decker 40-gallon Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler …………….10 RSI Maze 65-Gallon Compost Tumbler………………………………..………..12 45 Gallon/170 Liter Large Dual Chamber Rotating Composter……..…..14 VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter Dual Rotating Batch Compost Bin……………………………………………………16 Mantis Compact Tumbler (CT02001 Composter)……….…………………..17 Temperature of Compost ………………………………………………………………….19 Reotemp 16 Inch Fahrenheit Compost Thermometer………………………20 Discussion ………………………………………………………………………………………21 2 Introduction Composting reduces waste, enriches soil, and minimizes the carbon footprint of food scraps and organic matter. The Green Bay Wildlife sanctuary plays a great role in conserving local ecosystems, and composting can enhance its environmental impact. Due to its large size and great amount of wildlife around, it is crucial to select a compost bin that will ensure efficiency while preventing wildlife disturbances, particularly rats and other animals that might be attracted to food waste. This research further explores tumbling composters as it was decided these would be the best for keeping rodents and other animals out. One main issue with tumbling composters is that they are generally small compared to other methods and therefore may not have a large enough capacity for sanctuary needs. Through this research, I aimed to find different alternatives that could work for this project. 3 Composting Food Waste and Other Source-Separated Compostable Material at Yard Residuals Facilities To understand this section clearly, knowing the terms food waste and source-separated compostable material, SSCM, is important. Food waste is compostable food that isn’t eaten. For composting, this mainly includes fruit and vegetable scraps, bread scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, eggshells, and even food-soiled paper. Other items such as meat, certified compostable bags, and plates and utensils can also be composted food waste, it would just take longer. SSCM is all waste that can be composted under a solid waste compost facility license. This includes food waste, plant waste, fruit and vegetable food processing waste, fish processing waste, manure and animal bedding from herbivorous, sawdust, non-recyclable compostable paper, and certified compostable plastics. This document also shared that there are cases for needing state solid waste approval or a compost facility license. However, if you are adding less than 50 cubic yards of SSCM then it is not necessary to have one. Based on what was said, the Wildlife Sanctuary should not need one. Carbon to Nitrogen Ratios and Food Waste To effectively compost, there needs to be a mix of “browns” and “greens”. Browns means a material high in carbon such as woodchips and greens are high in nitrogen such as food waste. This should not be a problem because browns can include leaves, pine needles, twigs, straw, and paper (the brown paper bags used for corn?). There will be an abundance of this material, so the bigger problem will be keeping a good ratio between the two. The ratio should be 2:1 with a higher volume of food waste added. Having too little carbon can cause an ammonia smell, and having too little nitrogen can cause the compost to not heat up as much. Specifically, if the compost is struggling to reach 131 degrees Fahrenheit it likely needs more nitrogen rich items. I will talk more about the temperature towards the end. 4 Tumbling Composters Lifetime 100-Gallon Double Bin Rotating Composter • 100-gallon (13.37 cubic feet) double-barrel composter. • The two separate bins have a locking mechanism to prevent turning, as well as a small red plastic clip that can be placed on one bin at a time to show which bin is full/ has compost cooking. • The light brown color helps blend in with grass and trees, however I don’t think this is an important feature for this project. • Assembly is more difficult compared to others and may take multiple people. However, the manufacturer offers assembly for the product at an additional cost. • Generally, it is easy to spin, however it becomes more difficult to turn when full. • Aerated internal bar to mix compost and allow airflow. 5 • Constructed of high-density Polyethylene. • It has double-walled panels to absorb and retain heat. • Looking at this image, the height from bottom to top is 43” which is about 3.5 ft. If the diameter of the barrel is between 24-36”, the height under the bin would be about 0.5-1 ft. • Other images in the reviews on Amazon help show how tall they are. • Price on amazon.com is around $353, but there are different purchasing options. • Reviews on amazon give 4/5 stars. A lot of reviews talk about the assembly being difficult, though YouTube videos can help. They also recommend putting something on the hinges such as grease to help the hinges from rusting. There have been multiple reviews sharing that the hinges rusted and fused together. There was also 1 review that said rain water gets in, however that is the only one I saw so it could just be user error due to improper set up. 6 • This was a picture from one of the reviews where they placed the compost up high enough so they could get wheelbarrow underneath. I like this idea; however, I am worried about how hard it would get to turn the barrels from this height when they are full. • The price on samsclub.com is $268.97. • The reviews here are mostly the same and seem to like this product, however the assembly is difficult. • The price at Walmart.com is also $268.97. 7 100 Gal Dual Bin Compost Tumbler • This also has two 50-gallon barrels to let one side cook while the other can still be filled. • It has an aerated internal bar to mix compost and allow airflow. • Locks into place. • Has black, double-wall panels to absorb and retain heat. • It has a removable lid for easy access. • High-Density Polyethylene Construction. • Compost material is enclosed to help keep pests out. • The price on homedepot.com is $344.19. • This product has 4.2/5 stars on the review. Like the past product, there are concerns with rusting of metal components over time. Some reviews state that customer service was great and replaced the parts that rusted for free, whereas others state customer service was no help. After reading a lot of the reviews, it seemed like the rust was the main issue customers were having. • The price on lifetime.com is $329.99. 8 • There is a 5-year limited warranty. • On their website, they say the steel is rust-resistant, however based on the previous reviews as well as reviews on this site, that does not appear to be true. 9 Black + Decker 40-gallon Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler • Only holds 40 gallons. • Looks like it could be tall enough to put a wheelbarrow under. (1.5 ft off the ground). • It has internal mixing bars to aerate the material while spinning and help accelerate decomposition. 10  • Is dual-chambered. • Uses a gear system to turn the barrel. • It has a lock lever to lock the barrel when taking the compost out or putting it in. Composting Steps for this product: 1. Make the compost mix, starting with a layer of “browns”. Browns are carbon-based materials, including hay/straw, dead leaves, sawdust, shredded black and white newspaper, uncoated cardboard, and shredded 100% cotton material. 2. Add a layer of “greens”. Greens are nitrogen-based materials, including fruits and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and eggshells. The number of layers depends on the amount of food scraps but there should be a 2:1 brown to green ratio. 3. Turn the compost to mix thoroughly, turning 5-10 rotations at least 2-3 times a week. 4. Remove compost after it turns dark and crumbly with an earthy smell. • The price on amazon.com is $179. • This product has 4/5 stars in the reviews. One review shared the compost finished in 4 weeks; however, I assume it’d be 6-8 weeks since only one person said that and I couldn’t find anything else given an exact time. The assembly seems to be straightforward and moderately easy to do. Most reviews talk about easy rotation using the hand crank, as well as the small size of the bin. • I liked the height of this product however it seemed too small. If the price was cut in half, I would suggest getting two of these as it would be easy to take a wheelbarrow and go to each when the compost is ready. • The price is the same at homedepot.com and Ace Hardware. 11 RSI Maze 65-Gallon Compost Tumbler • It has dual chambers. • It is said to be easy to turn even when it’s full using the hand crank (may take 2 hands to crank though). • Can hold up to 65 gallons. • Air vents on all sides and large sliding covers for loading and unloading. • Made from UV-protected high-impact plastic. The frame is made of rust- and corrosion-resistant zinc-coated steel. • 15 inches off the ground. • Website mentioned the crank made it easy to stop the bin in a specific position but did not mention a lock like the other ones had to ensure it doesn’t move when loading or unloading compost. • The price on homedepot.com is $262.64. • The product has 4.6/5 stars in the reviews (highest so far). • The 1-star reviews are almost all about difficult assembly or about the rotating axel after a few years disintegrating/rotting. There are only 10 1-star reviews and 254 5- star reviews. The higher reviews did note that you may need more than 1 person for assembly. Other than that, the comments are pretty positive, and the customers liked the sturdiness of the design. 12 • Same bin but with a cart to carry the compost. The price is $284.72. • It is not odorless, which may be a problem with attracting animals. Comparison between the first, third, and compost bin from last document. 13 45 Gallon/170 Liter Large Dual Chamber Rotating Composter • It says 45 gallons but, in the description, it says the capacity is 37 gallons. • Material is Polypropylene. • It has two tumbling chambers. • Aeration holes and deep fins on each panel help break up the waste inside, as well as allow more oxygen to mix into the compost and help speed up the process. • Needs to be rotated 5-6 times every few days. • Takes 4-5 weeks for compost to finish. 14 • The price on amazon.com is $119.97. • The product has 4.5/5 stars in the reviews. The reviews share that the tumbler functions well and holds a large quantity (most likely large enough for households). The assembly is relatively easy and can be put together by one person. Some customers like the height of the composter as it is a bit higher off ground. • Many reviews shared they would choose this over any of the cheaper alternatives because you get what you pay for, and this one does not crack in the sun like many of the smaller tumbler bins do. • The price on homedepot.com is $286.20. 15 VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter Dual Rotating Batch Compost Bin • The capacity is 43 gallons. • It has two separate chambers. • There are deep fins on eight panels to help turn the compost bin, as well as break up clumps inside. • Air vents to help with better aeration. • Tempterature should be 30-70 degrees C for fermentable materials. • The price on amazon.com is $79.99. • 4.3/5 stars. • This one I like for the price, and multiple could be bought and placed around the whole area. • If we are going for cheaper, I would suggest buying multiple of something like this, however they will likely not last as long. 16 Mantis Compact Tumbler (CT02001 Composter) • It has an enclosed composter drum which eliminates pest and odor problems. • It can hold up to 88 gallons of waste. • There is an air vent at the top of the bin to allow oxygen inside. • Includes a drainage vent that allows excess moisture to escape. • Compost finishes in about 4-6 weeks. • The bin is 1 foot off the ground. • The drum is made from non-toxic powder-coated galvannealed steel and is rust resistant, and the frame is made from tubular steel. • Product comes with a 2-year warranty. • There are mixing fins insides to help mix and break up the materials inside. • To turn the bin, there is a crank handle with a gear mechanism. • The price on mantis.com is $459.99. • The price on Walmart.com is $459.99. • There are only 3 reviews and all are 5 stars. Two talked about how long they had it for which was over 14 years for both. 17 • There is no price listed on amazon.com right now but it is rated 4/5 stars in the reviews. • Some of the issues that people had with this product were the difficult assembly, and the amount of compost tea dripping out of the bottom. 18 Temperature of Compost Heat helps the compost decompose faster, kills weed seeds, and reduces the number of pathogens. Technically, you do not need to hot compost, however, it will take a drastically long time for the compost to finish and it will likely be very dry. To help with heating the compost, it is important to aerate, insulate, maintain moisture, avoid larger pieces in the bin, and keep the C:N ratio reasonable. One way to keep a bin insulated is to use a compost jacket which goes around the bin. This could be a good option for winter since the temperatures get so low in Wisconsin. Keeping the bin in an area that has direct sunlight is also a great idea. Whether it’s the summer or winter, the sun will provide heat to the bin especially if it is black material. Determining if the compost is hot enough can be difficult. It is important not to touch the compost because it could be very hot and may contain bacteria. One way to determine the temperature could be by using a temperature probe. These probes are not too expensive and could really help with composting. In my opinion, I don’t think this would be needed unless we get insufficient compost results. A temperature probe could help understanding what works and what doesn’t work for composting. It can also help determine when to stop aerating the compost and let it sit. Taking the temperature in multiple areas is important because there are likely hotter and colder pockets within the compost. If the set-up is good, the temperature should build to 40-50 degrees C within a few days. 19 Reotemp 16 Inch Fahrenheit Compost Thermometer • This thermometer is color coded where you want your compost to be. If the compost is not getting past the green area using the probe, it means something needs to change whether it’s the material being put into the compost bin, the spot where the bin is kept, the amount of air let inside, or the insulation. • The price on amazon.com is $15.99. • The stem is 16 inches so it can be stuck far into the bin. • It is hermetically sealed so that it won’t fog up. • Made from stainless steel. • The product is rated 4.7/5 stars. The reviews find it to be easy to read, and enjoy how long the probe is. 20 Discussion It is important to understand what the most important needs are for the Wildlife Sanctuary. The first option is great as it has a large capacity and dual chambers to compost more effectively, however it is pricier than some of the smaller options. If price is a big factor, going with one of the smaller options may be the best idea and buying multiple for different areas of the sanctuary. My biggest concern with this option is they will likely not last as long and may end up being more expensive in the long run. Using the correct ratio for compost and attaining a high enough temperature is important for composting. Using the correct ratio of browns to greens can be done by human eye, however, if it’s not working, consistently measuring the materials being put in must be done. Using a temperature probe can drastically help determine if things are working correctly or if something needs to be changed. I think using a probe is a great idea to help composting run smoother and avoid initial problems. It will also help to determine if you can slow down the aeration and just like the compost sit for a while. 21 City of Green Bay Food Waste Composting Pilot Program Ideas - lists are not exhaustive and do not promote any one business 3/25/25 Ruth O’Donnell, ruth.odonnell@wisconsin.gov Organics Management News – DNR E-Newsletter on organics recycling, food waste prevention, funding opportunities, events, subscribe here. Resources from EPA 1. Sustainable Management of Food | US EPA 2. Community Composting | US EPA 3. Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit | US EPA 4. Managing and Transforming Waste Streams Tool | US EPA – 5. EPA Recycling Toolkit | US EPA 6. Quantifying methane emissions from landfilled food webpage – report & calculator on bottom of page EPA Peer Networks for: info in the DNR March Organics Management News enewsletter; 1. Food Too Good to Waste Peer Network is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-led peer network for state and local government employees working on food waste reduction and recycling with a focus on household food waste prevention. The next monthly meeting is March 20, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. with an emphasis on what schools are doing to reduce food waste. To gain access to the group, the Teams site and meeting invitations, contact Claudia Fabiano at Fabiano.Claudia@epa.gov. 2. National Compost & Anaerobic Digestion Peer Network is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-led network for state and local government employees that discusses organics recycling through composting and anaerobic digestion. To gain access to the group, the Teams site and future meeting invitations, contact Jamie Lutz at Lutz.Jamie@epa.gov. Examples of Organizations with Toolkits for Municipalities US Compost Council – Target Organics – A Compost Program Resource Hub 1. US Composting Council - see “Food scrap composting for your community starts here.” 2. Closed Loop Partners – “How Organics Diversion Can Help Achieve Zero Waste Goals, A blueprint for scaling collection and composting infrastructure” - Google PDF 3. CET & BioCycle – “Community Toolkit – Adding Food Waste to a Yard Trimmings Compost Facility” Google PDF  4. Craig Coker Consulting & BioCycle – 2 Part Report, provides estimates of cost to upgrade yard waste facility. Examples of Municipalities with Programs – 1. Dane County - has drop-off and pick-up services, expanding a Sustainability Campus. 2. Sun Prairie – 3. Milwaukee – drop off 4. Waukesha – has a pilot drop off program 5. Wauwatosa – partners with a compost service provider 6. SWACO in Franklin County, OH utilizes drop-off sites, 1.3 million population 7. Hennepin County MN – differs by city, has both pickup and dropoff Examples of “smart compost” bins to reduce contamination - https://bigbelly.com/solutions/solar-composting-program-by-bigbelly Example of Consultants for Establishing Food Compost Programs 1. SCS Engineers 2. WANU 3. Green Mountain Technologies WasteExpo – 2025 has over 40 sessions on Food Recovery & Composting, also has a Public Sector Hub. Look at businesses in their Expo section to get equipment ideas. (i.e. Smart compost bins) https://www.wasteexpo.com/en/public-sector/public-sector-hub.html https://www.wasteexpo.com/en/conference-events/food-recovery-forum.html https://www.wasteexpo.com/en/conference-events/organics-recycling.html Unleashing the Economic and Environmental Potential for Food Waste Composting in the U.S., Report from Composting Consortium as part of Closed Loop Partners 2024 Statistics and resources for food waste collection & processing Green Bay City Hall Compost Bin Research 100 N Jefferson St, Green Bay, WI 54301 6/11/2025 1 Table of Contents Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Indoor Compost Bins ………………………………………………………………………. 4 Vermicomposting (Worm Bins) ………………………….…………………….………. 4 Worm Factory 360 Black Composting System ……….…………………………. 5 The Original Vermihut Plus 5………………………………..………………………7 Bokashi Composting ……………………………………………………………………….. 8 Premium Bokashi Composting Starter Kit-Bokashi Living………………… 8 Countertop Composting Bins ……………………………………………………………10 EPICA Countertop Compost Bin………………………………………………....10 ECO 2000 Kitchen Compost Collector………………………………………….12 Electric Composters ………………………………………………………………………..13 Ouaken Electric Composter………………………………………………………..13 Indoor DIY Composting System …………………………………………………………15 Indoor Composing 5-gal Bin Suggestions ……………………………………………16 Nitrogen-rich Options Found Inside the City Hall ……………………………………..19 2 Introduction Composting can help protect the climate by reducing methane emissions, as well as reducing waste from going into landfills. We should take part in this at the City Hall. The compost made from just our building can be used to help the soil health around the outside of the building, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. The biggest worry about indoor composting is the odor. The last thing anyone wants in the building is to have a putrid smell leaking into their office space and possibly attracting bugs. Therefore, it is important to find an effective way to compost indoors while assuring it won’t disrupt the workspace. Therefore, much of my research focuses on indoor bins that reduce odor and can be closed so bugs or other small rodents are not attracted. 3 Indoor Compost Bins Indoor composting focuses on organic waste that comes from food scraps and using that to create nutrient-rich soil. There are multiple types of indoor compost bins. The type of compost bin should be chosen based on the food that is going into it. Vermicomposting (Worm Composting) These bins use red worms to speed up the composting process, are compact, and should be odor free. Vermicompost is the product of earthworm digestion and aerobic decomposition using activities of micro- and microorganisms at room temperature. Bins can be made with wood or Styrofoam; however, commercial plastic bins will likely be best for reducing odors and having a better overall look. These bins are for leftover fruit and vegetable scraps and are great for small amounts of waste. • Here is an article that includes worm composting from the DNR. 4 Worm Factory 360 Black Composting System • This specific product has 4 trays but can have 3 as well. • It is very compact so it can easily go in any space within the City Hall without taking up room. • Should be kept between 40-80 degrees F. The building is always likely between that so it should not be an issue. Keeping the bin out of direct sunlight will help if the bin starts getting too hot for the worms. • The nested trays allow the worms to migrate upward as the process the food scraps, leaving the lower trays for easy harvesting. • Things that can be added are fruits, vegetables, grains, paper, egg shels, leaves, and coffee grounds. Dairy, meat, and citrus should be avoided. • It’s best to add 50% food scraps and 50% fiber for worm health. • There is a spigot that can be used to empty organic liquid fertilizer. 5 • The price on amazon.com for 4 trays is $134.95 and for 3 trays is $104.95. • It has a rating of 4.4/5 stars in the reviews. • Some ratings wish the trays were bigger in size and that there was a side stopper to prevent the tray’s weight from sitting directly on top of the soil. Most are very happy with the bin and find it effective. There are no foul smells. There is a starting kit that’s included to start up the bin. They also suggest using a newspaper at the very start and placing it at the bottom of the first tray. • The price on wormcomposting hq.com is $129.99. • This kit also includes a thermometer. • The first tray will take about 3 months to become fully composted, but after that it will likely take around a month for other trays. Once the bottom tray is harvested, you stack it back on top. 6 The Original Vermihut Plus 5 • 5 trays, though additional trays can be added as we advance. • The worm saver tray or “M-board” is there to increase airflow to help the worms as well as compost more efficiently. • The coconut mat is used for odor removal, moisture control, and ultimately to keep bugs and pests away. • The base has a spigot for the liquid collection. • Bins are filled with worm bedding, red worms, and food scraps. • The price on amazon.com is $89.99. • This product is rated at 4.5/5 stars. The customers find the bin easy to set up and use and appreciate the durable plastic construction. Most 7  customers like the size as you can add or take away trays to make it to the desired height. One review said the worms are not doing anything and have not created any compost. That sounds more like user error, and they likely set it up wrong, are putting in food waste that is not supposed to be in there or have the wrong type of worms. Bokashi Composting This is a method of fermenting kitchen waste using Bokashi bran. This is an anaerobic process, so it doesn’t require oxygen like the other options do. This type of composting is an option for waste such as dairy, meat, and cooked food which isn’t put into the other ones. Since this process needs Bokashi Bran to break it down, this process isn’t a first pick. This would likely be a harder process and may contain more odors due to the fermentation process. This is just an idea if composting meat scraps and dairy is an interest. • This link shares how to use a Bokashi bin. Premium Bokashi Composting Starter Kit-Bokashi Living 8 • This holds 13 gallons of compost. • It seems like it takes about a month and a half to fully compost, however I am unsure how long it will take. With this small bin, we likely wouldn’t be able to fit all food scraps in during the span of a month, so I think sticking to the other bins and focusing on only fruit, vegetable, paper or other related waste would be more efficient. • The price on amazon.com is $79. • The product is rated at 4.5/5 stars. Although it seems to relatively work well, it may be better for small households and not the City Hall. 9 Countertop Composting Bins This is a great option for collecting food scraps until they can be transferred to a larger composting system. This would involve then having a larger composting system, such as a tumbler, outside of the building. The important thing for these would be to empty them regularly to reduce odors. Some use charcoal filters to help reduce odors during the day, however, if they are brought out every day there should not be a problem. EPICA Countertop Compost Bin • The capacity is 1.3 gallons. • It has an airtight lid and replaceable activated-charcoal filter to eliminate odors. 10 • The filter should last over six months if handled properly. • Constructed with stainless steel. • The price on amazon.com is $27.98. • The product is rated at 4.6/5 stars. Customers (who are likely to use it for one household) say it holds a week’s worth of waste. This could be great for the City Hall if we take it out every day instead, or every two days. One comment has been using it for 11 years and says there has been no rusting, doesn’t have an odor, and doesn’t attract fruit flies. • I’m unsure how much organic waste would come from the City Hall daily. If this is the route we would look to go on, I’d suggest getting just one to start and see how fast it fills up. It could go in the break room since that is where everyone has access to and would know where to put their scraps. Using this method, an outdoor compost bin would need to be used or another bigger inside bin. This is more of a collection bin used to help the process and help employees remember to compost their food wastes that can be composted. • Ideas for outside compost bins could be the smaller tumbler bins. • Any indoor bins that are listed in this document could be used in correlation with this product. 11 ECO 2000 Kitchen Compost Collector • The capacity is 2.4 gallons. • Includes a carbon filter to reduce odors. These are recommended to be replaced every 3 months. • It would need to be paired with an outdoor composter. • Made from HDPE. • The price of homedepot.com is $19.08. • The product is rated at 4.5/5 stars. Some customers had issues with fruit fly attractions as well as the quality of the plastic. This bin would require more cleaning to prevent odors and pests. **If we like this method, using a regular plastic bin could also work if it is remembered to be brought to the larger compost bin every day. 12 Electric Composters These can break down food scraps quickly using heat and aeration. They are very compact and can fit anywhere inside. These are odor-free and can convert kitchen waste into compost in as little as 3-4 hours. These are not energy-efficient and are also pricier than the other options. The best part about these designs is how fast they can compost. Ouaken Electric Composter • The capacity is 4 liters. • The product uses high temperature drying, grinding, and colling methods. It can create compost within 4 hours. This is done using high- torque blades to process the food materials. • It is quiet so it can be set anytime without distracting anyone. 13 • It has a large carbon filter to eliminate odor. This has a 1000-hour limit and then will alert you to replace it. • There are different modes which are crush, ferment, or clean. • Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, paper, decomposable plastic products, chicken and fish bones, leftover brad slices, shrimp heads, cheese, fallen leaves, yard trimmings, and houseplants can be put into the composter. • The price on amazon.com is $219.98. • The product is rated at 4.4/5 stars. One customer had an issue with the product jamming, but I did not see anyone else say that. This could be due to putting too large scraps in or not having a good ratio of browns to greens. Most customers say it’s odorless, silent, and works very efficiently. One customer also noted they wished it had a greater capacity. • The price on homedepot.com is $299.99. 14 DIY Indoor Composting System This method includes using plastic bins for the waste. One way this can be done is to drill holes into the bins to ensure proper airflow, placing a layer of brown material at the bottom, and then rotating in the new organic waste as it comes. The materials should only be turned occasionally. The bins should be kept in a cool, dry area. Breaking up the scraps can help the compost finish faster. Meat, fats, and dairy items should be avoided with this system. The smell can be controlled by adding more brown items. The prices will vary but this will be the least expensive alternative. 15 Indoor Composting 5-Gallon Bin Suggestions United Solutions 5-Gallon Heavy-Duty Buckets with Snap-On Lids Price: $49.99 for 6-pack. Capacity: 5-gallons Material: Plastic Reviews: 4.6/5 - It has secure snap-on lids to keep the compost closed off. ePackageSupply White 5-Gallon Bucket with Lid Price: $39.99 for 6-pack. (Multiple options for amount of bins. 12-pack is $89.99, 24-pack is $198.98). 16 Capacity: 5-gallons. Material: Plastic Reviews: 4.7/5 Fleet Farm 5 Gal White Pail – Encore 5&6 Gallon White Pail Lid Price of bin: $4.99 Price of lid: $2.29 Capacity: 5 gallons Material: Assuming plastic Reviews: 5/5 - Is food safe. - Has a metal handle. - Not ideal to buy bin and lid separate. 17 Fleet Farm 5 Gal Orange Bin – Encore 5 Gal Orangel Pail Lid (is separate from the bin) Price of bin: $4.99 Price of lid: $2.29 Material: HDPE Plastic Capacity: 5 gallons Reviews: 5/5 - Does not have a handle. - Not food grade safe. - Would have to buy lid and bucket separately which is not ideal. 18 Nitrogen-rich Options Found Inside the City Hall • Paper Towels: Both used and unused paper towels can be safe for composting as “brown” materials. It will help if they are ripped up into smaller pieces to help accelerate the decomposition. o They are safe to add if they:  Are completely unused.  Are soiled with compostable food.  Are used to clean spills such as water, dirt, or plant-based foods.  Used to blow your nose if you are not carrying a contagious virus.  Used to dry hands or dishes.  Are single-ply or quilted, both will break down and decompose easily.  Colored or bleached. This is not the case for all paper, but since napkins are already deemed food-safe they should be able to go into the compost pile with no problem. o They are not safe to add if they:  Are soiled with any type of chemical. It does not matter if it’s an organic cleaner.  Have oil or grease on them.  Are used to blow your nose when you are sick with a virus. (If unsure it’s best to just not add these in).  Are used to pick up dog droppings (should not be happening here).  Have embellishments such as glitter or plastic coatings. • Paper Plates: If they do not have a plastic/wax coating, they are able to be composted. These are usually ones that look more like cardboard. Like the napkins, they should not have any cleaners, oils, or grease on them. • Cardstock center of paper towel rolls and toilet paper rolls. • Office Paper: If the type of ink is okay to compost, this could be a great idea since I am getting rid of so many papers. They would need to be shredded/ripped into smaller pieces. o Safe to compost if:  The ink is soy-based.  The ink is vegetable-based.  There is minimal ink as it poses a smaller risk. If unsure about the ink top, adding small quantities can be okay as it reduces harmful chemicals leaching into the compost.  It is newspaper-generally safe if there are no glossy pages. 19  o Not safe/ not recommended if:  The pages are glossy or have a film. Magazines fit in this category.  The ink is solvent-based.  The ink is heavy metal.  The ink is laser toner. • Cardboard: If all the tape and labels are off and it does not have any type of glossy/plastic/wax film it is safe to compost. This should be done in smaller pieces as well. 20  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE July 16, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # H.4 Work Group Reports BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE July 16, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # H.4.a Youth Engagement Work Group BACKGROUND The Green Bay Youth Environmental Committee, one of the primary partners of the Youth Engagement Work Group, is a student-led group open to Green Bay area youth. Interested applicants can join by completing this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCf7zq4bwDN4I8imxMBYNFMUJNxBCiyWXT9QMbwMMyV8_- Yg/viewform?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLAJMVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp8mCl9jeoztJL0WELss_9vujHoCF- xQSjQ_sekutCrv2gkqd4lcmBAJqr0L0_aem_JScogtU9Lq1fnqT87nW17Q • The Youth Engagement Work Group is planning a community trash pick-up at the Newberry Conservancy next to Preble High School the week of the August 18-22. RECOMMENDATION To receive and place on file the Youth Engagement Work Group update FISCAL IMPACT None. ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov