Some may be eligible for free composting system

About 35 local residents who haul their trash to a Santa Fe County solid waste convenience center could be eligible for a free composting system installed at their homes.

The Santa Fe County Sustainability Office has hired Reunity Resources, a local nonprofit organization, to install straw bale composting systems, which are about 6 feet by 6 feet. An alternative with a smaller footprint is offered to those with limited space.

Reunity Resources also will provide an instructional guide, and the Sustainability Office “will provide on-going technical assistance,” according to a news release.

The program “is designed to help residents save money on permit punches and bag tags and extend the life of the regional landfill,” the Sustainability Office said. Applicants must demonstrate they purchase permits or bag tags for solid waste convenience centers to qualify for the free system.

The application is available at www.santafecountynm.gov/ public_works/sustainability or contact Sustainability Specialist Neal Denton, at 505-992-9832 or ndenton@santafecountynm.gov. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Aug. 24. Those who cannot meet the deadline can be wait-listed.

According to the news release, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates food waste and yard trimmings are 28 percent of generated waste.

In addition to cost savings, “compost improves soil vitality, retains moisture, reduces the need for water and irrigation, protects plants from disease, encourages growth of trees, and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the amount of carbon stored in the soil,” the Sustainability Office said.