Green Newton recently conducted a survey via our e-news and social media to analyze composting trends in our community and gather insights on the most effective methods based on real user experiences. The survey asked participants whether they compost and, if so, whether they use Black Earth Compost or home composting systems.
The results highlight Green Newton’s strong commitment to sustainability. Of the 121 Green Newton community members responding to the survey, 56% compost with Black Earth, while 37% use backyard composting systems. Members cited reducing household waste, improving their gardens, and being responsible stewards of the Earth as their top motivations. Many emphasized the ease of composting and the benefits of home composting, particularly for enriching soil. Notably, while the majority of survey participants are already composting, less than 1% expressed no interest in learning more—demonstrating that a clean and healthy environment is a shared priority within our community.
While many of our dedicated members embrace composting, survey respondents suggested expanding cost-effective options, increasing the number of city collection bins, and providing more secure containers to prevent rodent access. Currently, 3,151 households compost with Black Earth. However, this represents only about 10% of households citywide. This is on par with other Massachusetts cities that rely on paid composting services, but cities that provide municipally funded composting programs have seen participation rates of around 25%—and in one case, as high as 50%. Expanding free or lower cost access to composting could significantly increase participation in Newton, further reducing waste and environmental impact.
We’d love to hear from you—what do you find most compelling about composting? Our survey found that 5% of survey respondents are interested in learning more, and we want to provide the information you’re looking for. Let us know what topics would be most helpful, and we’ll include more composting resources in our weekly e-newsletter. Share your thoughts by contacting info@greennewton.org.
Kenyon Taylor is a graduate student at North Carolina State University focusing on climate change and a MassCEC supported intern at Green Newton.