Philadelphia Composting Network Expands to Nearly 30 Sites

Philadelphia's community composting program is experiencing an abundance of hearty growth.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the composting network has grown from its 2019 launch to nearly 30 sites citywide. The program is currently at 23 locations with five to 10 more potential sites slated for 2026. Submissions for the sites are being accepted through March 27.

In 2025, the volunteer network diverted approximately 12,000 pounds of food scraps from landfills.

The citywide composting program, led by Ash Richards within the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation department, aims to divert organic waste from landfills and provide free compost to communities. It operates as an all‑volunteer network.

Richards secured partnerships across Philadelphia with urban farms, community organizations, gardens, recreation centers, and schools to support and sustain the composting sites.

“They have a desire to not only take waste out of their neighborhoods or take waste out of the waste stream; they also have the desire to generate this life-giving, organic resource that otherwise some of the residents couldn't afford,” said Richards.

Sites operate with a three‑bin composting system. They collaborate with partners such as PowerCorpsPHL, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, urban farms, schools, and community organizations.

The Philadelphia Inquirer highlighted the Mantua Urban Peace Garden, which is producing approximately 50 to 75 pounds of compost weekly in its first season and sourcing scraps from local businesses to enrich soil for crops in a food desert. Mantua's outreach plan includes opening compost drop-offs to the broader community at least once a week while maintaining safety and efficiency in the composting process.