The Sedona City Council meeting on June 11, 2025, featured a significant update on the community composting program, which has shown remarkable success in diverting food waste from landfills. Over the past year, the program has successfully diverted more than 11,000 pounds of food scraps, with expectations to exceed 12,000 pounds by the end of the month. Since its launch, the initiative has removed over 30,000 pounds of waste from landfills, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability within the community.

The program has expanded its reach, increasing participation from just 32 households at its inception to 115 registered households, involving 236 residents. This growth has led to a steady collection rate of over a thousand pounds of compostable material each month. The council noted positive feedback from participants, indicating strong community support for the initiative.

Discussion also touched on the program's operational structure. Initially, there was speculation about implementing neighborhood pickups for composting, but it was clarified that the current model relies on a single drop-off location in partnership with Compost Crowd, which provides free household pickups. The council is considering the possibility of adding another drop-off location in West Sedona or Uptown once current slots are filled.

Concerns were raised about the environmental impact of driving to the composting site. In response, program coordinators encouraged residents to incorporate compost drop-offs into their regular errands, such as grocery shopping, to minimize unnecessary trips. They emphasized that diverting food scraps from landfills is crucial, as decomposing waste generates methane, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the program's goals and its positive impact on the environment, highlighting the community's role in fostering sustainable practices. Further developments regarding additional drop-off locations and continued outreach to residents are anticipated as the program evolves.