Barrington has partnered with the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD) and Black Earth Compost to launch a new curbside food scrap composting pilot program. Supported by a grant program from 11th Hour Racing, the two-year initiative, which runs from September 18, 2025 to September 18, 2027, aims to make composting more accessible and affordable for residents.
The program offers up to 500 eligible residents significant savings on weekly compost collection. Participants will receive a free curbside bin starter kit, 66% off in the first year, and 33% off in the second year of weekly collection service. They will also receive clear instructions on how to compost in the program, a free cubic foot bag of finished compost each spring, and an online account to manage their service.
Eligibility: To be eligible for the pilot program, you must be a year-round resident. Seasonal residents may participate in curbside food scrap collection outside of the pilot.
What’s Compostable with Black Earth: Black Earth Compost, the service provider, accepts a wide range of materials, including meat, bones, dairy products, and food-soiled paper products (such as napkins and certified compostable serviceware) - items typically not suitable for backyard composting. Their motto is: "If it grows, it goes in the green bin!" Refer to the link on their website for a comprehensive list of accepted materials.
Why Compost: Composting is a powerful way to reduce waste, diverting up to 30% of your trash from landfills. Black Earth combines food scraps with leaves and sticks, transforming them into a nutrient-rich compost that enriches the soil for local farms, community gardens, and even your own backyard.
How to Enroll and Pricing Details: Ready to join? Enrollment is now open! To sign up for the pilot program, please complete the Sign Up form directly on the Black Earth Compost website: https://blackearthcompost.com/barrington
The pilot program offers weekly collection of food scraps at a significantly discounted rate:
- Year 1: Only $66.66 per year (66% discount off the standard annual rate of $199.99).
- Year 2: Only $133.33 per year (33% discount off the standard annual rate of $199.99).
Even Better News: Once 500 households are enrolled, the standard annual rate for all participants will be reduced even further to $149.99 off the standard annual rate of $199.99.
Barrington also offers free drop-off composting at the Barrington Farm School (100-98 Federal Road), through their Community Composting Program. In addition, they have a drop-off bin located near the Kent Street tennis courts (14 Kent Street) in Hampden Meadows, and an additional drop-off bin at The Peck Center (behind Barrington Public Library near Woods Pond/Peck Center parking lot). For more information email: Info@barringtonfarmschool.org
While the Farm School program has more limited accepted materials (see link to their listing) and does not accept compostable plastic products, they give residents various ways to reduce waste and contribute to a healthier environment.
Barrington Businesses – Join in on Composting: Even if you are not part of the Town’s Residential Composting Pilot Program, your business can still participate in composting. Black Earth Composting provides reliable and cost-effective compost pickup services for businesses of all sizes. From restaurants and cafes to offices and salons. Learn more about programs for businesses: https://blackearthcompost.com/commercial/