Compost For All: Making Composting Accessible Throughout Orlando
Project Summary
Compost For All Corp. is a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates affordable composters from repurposed trash cans and provides educational sessions about composting throughout Orlando, Florida. The organization follows a “buy one, give one” model that ensures composting is accessible to low-income communities
Detailed Story
During the pandemic, teenager Maya Lis recognized the lack of composting accessibility in Orlando and was inspired to take action to address climate change and soil quality. Her team participated in TCI’s Hackathon to develop a comprehensive plan for a nonprofit focused on composting education and accessibility. Though unsuccessful in the hackathon, they secured funding through a Chipotle/Earthforce competition to launch their initiative. Today, Compost For All Corp. has sold over 500 composters and educated more than 10,000 people on the benefits of composting. The organization builds affordable composters from repurposed trash cans, selling them for $20 each with a $5 profit margin. For every three composters sold, they donate one to someone in a low-income area. Their team of approximately 30 volunteers helps design and build the composters. The nonprofit conducts educational sessions throughout Orlando at various venues including workplaces, colleges, churches, camps, schools, and festivals. They’ve established key partnerships with the Orlando public school system to support a composting pilot program in 21 schools, with O-Town Compost to fulfill their educational needs, and with the Orlando Science Center to provide engaging composting education to families.
Impact Statement
Created a sustainable model that has sold over 500 composters, donated approximately 165 composters to low-income areas, educated over 10,000 people about composting benefits, and established a composting education program reaching 21 schools in the Orlando public school system, all while reducing organic waste in landfills and greenhouse gas emissions.