SUBSTITUTE
Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☐ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
A Resolution to Explore Compost Facilities in DeKalb County Government Buildings, and Begin the Request for
Proposals Process for Composting Services
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Edward C. “Ted” Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
This proposed resolution explores compost bin locations in DeKalb County Government Buildings by March 1, 2024 or as soon as practicable thereafter. This includes the installation of compost facilities as well as training for staff on how to
properly manage and maintain these facilities. A Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued for composting services
including collecting organic waste from identified government buildings, transporting it to a composting facility, and
processing the waste into compost.
NEED/IMPACT:
DeKalb County Government recognizes the importance of addressing climate change, promoting sustainability, and protecting environmental justice. Incorporating composting services is an additional way to support reducing greenhouse emissions that affect climate change. Composting also significantly cuts down on the amount of trash in a landfill, which extends the life of a landfill, reduces the costs and carbon emissions it takes to haul and process those materials, prevents compostable material from rotting in landfills and emitting methane, one of the earth's most potent greenhouse gases.
DeKalb County recognizes the urgency of climate change and has resolved to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Clean Energy Resolution passed in 2021. Studies have shown composting is successful in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and can reduce over 50%. As government leaders, we can lay the foundation and lead by example- DeKalb County Government is committed to save our earth and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Anticipated expenses outlined however a fiscal impact is not known at this time but are not limited to include:
• Request for Proposals (RFP) for composting services to provide composting services for each government building. Composting services include collecting organic waste from government buildings, transporting it to a composting facility, and processing the waste into compost
• DeKalb County shall provide funding for the installation of compost facilities in government buildings
• Training for staff on how to properly manage and maintain these facilities
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the resolution to begin the Request for Proposals (RFP) process and to explore compost bin locations in DeKalb County Government Buildings and authorize the chief executive officer to execute all necessary documents