2024-026 Commercial Organic Diverison Program July 12,2024 Report No. 2024-26
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Final Report for the Commercial Organics Diversion Pilot Program
BACKGROUND:
In July 2023, Denton Solid Waste and Recycling (SWR) collaborated with the Wastewater
Department to launch a Commercial Organics Diversion Pilot Program focused on food waste at
restaurants that utilize the premium valet waste services downtown and in the Fry Street vicinity.
Previous studies highlighted food waste accounts for over 32% of Denton's waste stream, so the
Commercial Diversion Pilot Program was initiated to help reach a goal of 30% waste diversion
from the landfill by 2030 — a deliverable of the City's Comprehensive Solid Waste Management
Strategy. While SWR currently collects pre-consumer food waste from a few commercial
businesses and curbside yard waste bins, post-consumer food waste, such as fats, oils, meats, and
bones, is not included in the program.
DISCUSSION:
The North Texas Council of Governments provided a grant to support the Commercial Organics
Diversion Pilot Program, which initially targeted 30 customers in the downtown area, primarily
focused on restaurants. Each participating business was provided with indoor kitchen bins to store
food waste during the day. The organic waste was transferred to SWR outdoor carts equipped
with locks to prevent scavenging or spills.
To ensure effective participation, SWR discussed the program's parameters with each participating
business one-on-one and provided them with outreach materials, including posters and guidelines
for kitchen and outdoor carts, to reinforce proper waste separation practices.
The pilot began on July 7,2023, and continued for six months.Monthly check-ins were conducted
during the first three months, which transitioned to bi-monthly check-ins during the final months.
Contamination levels remained low throughout the pilot, and businesses were promptly contacted
if issues were detected.
The food waste collected during the program was delivered to the wastewater reclamation plant
for processing. A grinder and pump were purchased through the grant to support the existing
infrastructure. The grinder reduced the size of the collected organics into quarter-inch particles,
July 12,2024 Report No. 2024-26
while the pump facilitated feeding material into the digester. The wastewater reclamation plant
reported no adverse impacts from the material received.
CONCLUSION:
Throughout the six-month pilot, SWR collected 420 tons of waste(trash,recycling, and organics).
The organics collected equated to 7% of the total volume set for disposal. Based on these results,
the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has approved the continuation of this program.
The program's future involves conducting similar pilot initiatives with the Denton Independent
School District and local universities. Over the next few years, the goal is to extend program
offerings to all commercial businesses, followed by a residential drop-off service.
STAFF CONTACT:
Brandi Neal
Administration Manager
Brandi.Neal@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-8027