Learning to compost is easy, but actually composting in the city has proven to be a challenge. Now, the Department of Streets and Sanitation has collaborated with the Chicago Public Libraries to make it easier by implementing compost storage carts at 13 libraries across the city.

The DSS website explains that composting helps the city meet its climate goals. It states, “Composting keeps food scraps out of landfills, reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and recycles nutrients that enrich soil.”

Materials for composting are collected at these libraries, as well as 20 other previously established carts, before they get transported to a local composting facility in Chicago. Households can sign up on the city’s website, allowing them to take advantage of composting benefits. The closest bin to Lab’s campus is at 4352 S. Cottage Grove Ave., though other locations may be close to neighborhoods where Lab families live.

Susan Casey, program director for the Department of Streets and Sanitation, was involved in planning the original program and its expansion. She believes partnering with the Chicago Public Libraries was a strong choice.

“The partnership with CPLs is just a really great fit because they’re already trusted community resource hubs, and there’s so many of them across the city,” Ms. Casey said, adding that they see it as just another way to serve the communities.

Currently, while there are many locations of these compost storage bins, not all neighborhoods have them. However, the Department of Streets and Sanitation may look to expand this initiative in the future.

“We are aware that there are other densely populated areas that could use bins as well, so we would definitely be looking at other opportunities,” Ms. Casey said.

If there isn’t a compost storage cart near a person’s location, there are other steps they could take to still give back to the environment through composting.

“What some people could do is freeze their food scraps, and they don’t have to visit as frequently,” Ms. Casey said.

Ms. Casey has seen a lot of interest regarding these new compost bins, and she is excited to see where things go in the future.

Ms. Casey said, “I’m really happy at the demand, and seeing the demand growing, and these things are just helping us meet the city’s climate action plan.”

A list of the new library locations of these compost storage carts includes: 

• Avalon Branch, 8148 S. Stony Island Ave.
• Dunning Branch, 7455 W. Cornelia Ave.
• Edgebrook Branch, 5331 W. Devon Ave.
• Hegewisch Branch, 3048 E. 130th St.
• Lincoln Belmont Branch, 1659 W. Melrose St
• Portage-Cragin Branch, 5108 W. Belmont Ave.
• Scottsdale Branch, 4101 W. 79th St.
• Sherman Park Branch, 5440 S. Racine Ave.
• Toman Branch, 2708 S. Pulaski Road
• Uptown Branch, 929 W. Buena Ave.
• Vodak-East Branch, 3710 E. 106th St.
• West Chicago Avenue Branch, 4856 W. Chicago Ave.
• Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St.