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INTRODUCTION ACHC is requesting $120,000 from the Alameda County Waste Management Authority to match funds contributed by Member Agencies. The total pool of $240,000 would be used to implement a compost bin cost-sharing pilot program in Alameda County. The compost bin cost-sharing pilot program would pool the resources of the WMA and its Member Agencies. The combined funds would be used to purchase compost bins in bulk, and distribute them to the residents of participating agencies through a centralized distribution system. The cost of the bin to the resident would be reduced from an average of $100 retaJI to only $25-$30. This program would provide a strong incentive for residents to begin composting by making compost bins affordable and accessible. If fully funded, the proposed program would distribute 7,730 bins, which would divert 2,300 tons in the first year, and over 18,500 tons by the year 2000, at a cost of $12.50 per ton. BENEFITS The Role of Backyard Composting in Integrated Waste Management A compost bin program in Alameda County would dramatically increase the number of people home composting, helping to achieve several important integrated waste management goals. Home composting is source reduction under the guidelines of AB939; and should therefore legally be the first priority of any integrated waste management plan. Home composting can achieve significant waste diversion, as demonstrated by ACHC's year-end survey, which documented an average diversion of 750 lbs per year per bin. Th.is figure has been corroborated with figures derived from studies elsewhere. Toronto, Canada, for example, conducted a study which resulted in a waste diversion estimate of 703 pounds per household annually ("Home composting: it's popular and effective," Resource Recycling, Dec. 1991, p.48). A compost bin program would also be extremely cost-effective. depending on the total pool of funds, will range between $12.50 and $I5. explained more fully below. The cost per ton, These figures are A compost bin program would also promote environmental education. Encouraging large numbers of Alameda County residents to compost at home will reduce wasteful consumption behavior and reinforce the County's message of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.