West Seneca Pilot Composting Program Gains Momentum

 

West Seneca, NY – The composting program started back in the Summer of 2023 when the Town Supervisor’s Office received a phone call from a passionate resident with an idea to introduce composting to the West Seneca community. As a result of the positive feedback at the conclusion of the first summer pilot, the Town of West Seneca decided to continue the program and implement a “Phase II” by entering into a partnership with “Farmer Pirates Compost”.

 

Since the start of Phase II back in January, the program has already seen a positive response with over 100 sign-ups. Two informational programs have been organized for the youth/family and senior audience, utilizing the Recreation Department and Senior Center. Furthermore, collaboration with the West Seneca Environmental Commission has only made the program stronger and has led to additional initiatives in motion and on the way to complement Phase II.

 

 

Composting is the process of turning food scraps that have either went unused or bad into a nutrient rich natural fertilizer. The pilot program allows you to compost without any work or upkeep. This program offers residents the opportunity to drop off their food scraps to secure bins located at the Town Center any time, any day until the program concludes. “Farmer Pirates Compost” stops by weekly to collect the scraps and convert them into compost. They even check in regularly with users that sign up and collect data along the way.

 

 

Registration is still open and available to anyone who would like to sign up for this free composting program between now and January 24, 2025. West Seneca residents can sign up at www.farmerpirates.com/westseneca. Once 120 people have signed up, a waitlist will be created. Anyone not actively engaged in the program will be removed so others may have the opportunity to sign up. Farmer Pirates engages with program participants on a weekly basis and are available for any questions or guidance along the way.

 

 

As part of the agreement made between the Town and Farmer Pirates Compost, Farmer Pirates will collaborate with the town to put on two informational events during the year to both highlight the pilot and educate the community on composting. Utilizing the Town’s Recreation Department and Senior Center, the Town Supervisor’s Office intended to create two different and engaging events geared toward youth/families and seniors in collaboration with the West Seneca Environmental Commission.

 

The first event will occur on Thursday, March 28^th from 1-3pm at the West Seneca Senior Center, called “Scraps, Birds, and Worms…OH MY!”. This event will be hosted in “Classroom 2” and presentations will be given by Farmer Pirates and the West Seneca Environmental Commission. Additionally, Master Gardner Pati Aine Guzinski will present on how to attract birds to your garden, which composting can help with. Anyone can sign up by calling the Senior Center at 716-675-9288. The sign-up list is already halfway full!

 

The second event will occur on Monday, April 22^nd from 5-7pm in the West Seneca Youth and Recreation Gym, called “Family Earth Day Event”. This is a “drop-in” event with no sign up required. The town encourages families to stop by and visit the various stations that will be set up to include Earth Day activities, interactive education on composting, and information on projects and how to get involved with the West Seneca Environmental Commission.

 

 

Signing up for the Composting Program is not the only way to start composting. It is worthwhile for residents to stop by the informational events because the West Seneca Environmental Commission will be giving away 250 counter-top composting bins. Depending on how many are left, these FREE bins will also be given away at the West Seneca Farmers Market this summer.

 

Furthermore, as part of West Seneca’s membership in Erie County NEST (North East Southtowns Solid Waste Management Board), subsidized thirty-gallon home composting bins (with a rat trap) are available to residents for only $30. Anyone interested can order their package at www.nest.compostersale.com.

 

“It is inspiring to see an idea that began with the passion of one resident blossom into a collaboration of numerous individuals and groups. We are stronger when we listen, are open, and work together, and this program is an example of exactly that. I am proud that we can bring sustainable initiatives and education to the Town of West Seneca, as it only strengthens our community now and for future generations to come. This is a manageable, low-cost, effective step in the right direction.” – Gary A. Dickson, West Seneca Town Supervisor

 

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