Hamilton County R3Source encourages schools, businesses, and non-profits to reduce their waste and improve their recycling by providing grant funding for these types of projects. Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation is a fine example of a recent grant recipient success.
In 2020, WHRF applied for a Waste Reduction Innovation Grant to fund a neighborhood-scale composting system on their property. Hamilton County R3Source funded $9,434 and WHRF matched $4,087 to purchase materials to construct the multiple bins for both passive aerated and carbon storage. The grant also funded part-time employees to handle daily operation.
In two years, WHRF diverted 16,658 pounds of food scraps, 8,500 wood chips, 30,000 pounds of horse manure, 7,000 pounds of coffee grounds, 1,000 pounds of plant material, totaling 63,158 pounds diverted from the landfill. WHRF clearly filled a need for composting in a community that previously did not have a composting facility.