FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Decatur, GA (April 7, 2026) – The City of Decatur today announced expanded access to curbside composting services for residents through a new opt‑in program designed to reduce food waste and support local soil health, in partnership with CompostNow, a local organics recycling company operating across the Southeast.
Through this initiative, Decatur residents can now subscribe to curbside compost collection services for $19 per month, making it easier and more affordable than ever to divert food scraps and other compostable materials from landfills. This program builds on the momentum and learnings gained through a six‑month composting pilot program that the City of Decatur operated for 100 residents.
Food waste is one of the largest contributors to landfill volume and a significant source of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. By participating in composting, residents can play a direct role in reducing their environmental impact while contributing to the creation of a nutrient‑rich soil amendment used in local and regional agriculture.
“The City of Decatur is committed to advancing sustainable solutions that reduce waste and strengthen our community,” said Mayor Tony Powers. “Expanding access to composting provides residents with a practical way to make a meaningful environmental impact right from their homes.”
The program is structured as a voluntary, monthly subscription‑based service. Participating households will receive a 7‑gallon curbside compost collection bin and benefit from weekly curbside pickup, similar to traditional waste and recycling service models.
The City is supporting this effort through community education and outreach, helping residents understand the benefits of composting and how to participate. CompostNow will provide program logistics and administration, including resident onboarding, ongoing resident support, collection services, and compost processing. Finished compost produced through the program is returned to enrich the soils of local farms and community gardens in the Atlanta metropolitan area through CompostNow’s standard service model.
“We’re excited to help expand access to composting in Decatur and support residents in taking part in a more circular system,” said David Paull, Co‑founder and Chief Impact Officer of CompostNow. “By making composting simple and accessible, we can collectively reduce waste and return valuable nutrients back to the soil.”
Residents interested in participating can learn more about how the program works, accepted materials, and how to sign up by visiting:
https://compostnow.org/community-programs/decatur-compost-service
About the City of Decatur
The City of Decatur is a vibrant and progressive community located just east of Atlanta, Georgia. Known for its strong commitment to sustainability, walkability, and community engagement, Decatur continues to invest in initiatives that enhance quality of life and environmental stewardship.
About CompostNow
CompostNow is a leading organics recycling company headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, with operations across the Southeast, including the Atlanta metro area. Since 2011, CompostNow has helped thousands of households and businesses divert food waste from landfills by providing convenient compost collection services and producing nutrient‑rich soil for local use.
Media Contact:
LaTasha Brown
Communications Manager/Public Information Officer
City of Decatur
latasha.brown [at] decaturga.com (latasha[dot]brown[at]decaturga[dot]com) | 470-409-2487