Every time we throw food waste in the landfill, we are wasting a resource which could be used to create soil for our gardens and a local food system. As this organic waste breaks down in the landfill it emits methane, a greenhouse gas 33x more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting food waste properly requires aeration, and as a reult, it emits carbon dioxide as the by-product to creating healthy soil.
Presently, there is no option for households, restaurants, or businesses to compost food or organic waste in the Roanoke Valley.
The Harvest Collective is endeavoring to start a compost facility on a piece of property that has an agricultural layout, but is zoned as industrial. Unfortunately, the City of Roanoke's zoning laws presently would prohibit a compost facility from happening on this property, which is why we are asking them to make an exemption for The Harvest Collective to build this compost facility.
This petition will be presented to the Roanoke City Planning Commission, as well as Roanoke City Council to show that there is popular support for composting in the region and that this is the project that will allow people to start composting effectively together. This petition does not mean that these entities do not support the project, it is simply to show them that there is additional support from residents to see this project happen.
By signing this petition, I am showing my support for The Harvest Collective to build a small scale compost facility at the property at the end of Blue Hills Dr. Industrial Park.
