Monroe County, in partnership with SoilMate Composting and sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida, launched a pilot food waste collection program to help Upper Keys residents divert organic material from landfills and turn it into nutrient-rich compost.
Commissioner Holly Raschein, solid waste director Cheryl Sullivan and recycling coordinator Melody Tuschel joined Ocean Studies Charter School students on Nov. 13 to break in the new bins.
The pilot program will run through Feb. 6, 2026, with three drop-off locations where residents can bring their food scraps for composting. Residents must register at the link here to participate in the pilot program.
Biodegradable bags are available at all collection locations. Residents can drop off food waste free of charge at any of the following Upper Keys locations during the pilot project:
- Ocean Studies Charter School – 11-27 Rock Harbor Dr., Key Largo (behind playground).
- Atlantic Trash and Transfer – 300 Atlantic Dr., Key Largo.
- Coral Isles Church – 90001 Overseas Highway, Tavernier (behind fellowship hall).
To ensure high-quality compost and prevent contamination, only food scraps will be accepted. No yard waste, paper, unapproved compostable bags or foodware (plastics) of any kind will be accepted.
“This program gives residents a simple, convenient way to be part of a solution,” said Tuschel. “Every pound of food waste diverted is one less pound ending up in the landfill.”Residents can fill out an interest form at your-soilmate.com/pages/monroe to receive the registration link. Registration includes a brief education session, followed by a unique access code for the drop-off sites.
