EPA Scaling-Up Composting Grant

In 2011, Concord Mills accepted the Sustainable Food Court Initiative (SFCI) – Shopping Mall Pilot role with an emphasis on food-waste collection for composting, excess-food donation, and plastic-film recycling. A strong relationship developed with Mecklenburg County Government along with a powerful network of Charlotte businesses and organizations.

When Ei Strategic Ally Green Blue’s Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) submitted the EPA Scaling Up Composting in Charlotte, NC grant proposal, Ei was included as a lead sub-grantee. Ei’s role centered on the powerful Charlotte government and private enterprise connections, commercial food-waste program experience, grant-work documentation via blog articles & FB albums, and coordination of grant-team visits.

The ZWA Blog article, Scaling Up Composting in Charlotte, NC, gives an overview of grant objectives, tasks, and goal.

During the two-year grant period – October 2013 to September 2015 – Ei orchestrated five Charlotte visits filled with powerful meetings, site visits | tours along with productive dinners where the magic flowed into action plans. The Ei Charlotte Visits page documents the important visits.

The SMAT – Sustainable Materials ACTION Team – was the backbone of Ei’s grant contributions via their in-depth industry expertise.

At the October 2015 SPC Advance conference Ei Founder Holly Elmore moderated the Scaling Up Composting in North America: Presentation and Working Session featuring the EPA Grant results | successes. A substantial discussion of food-waste-recovery options, challenges, and successes followed.

With the EPA Grant complete, Ei Charlotte work is ready for its next dimension and the SMAT is enthusiastic to continue their strong support.