The Batavia Rotary Club has launched a food scrap composting initiative designed to reduce landfill waste and promote environmental sustainability across the region.The program partners with local restaurants to divert food waste to EcoVerde Organics, an industrial composting facility in Akron, New York. Eli Fish Brewing Company is the first participating restaurant, with Batavia’s Original Pizzeria expected to join the effort in the coming weeks.
Participating businesses collect food scraps in designated totes, which are transported to EcoVerde Organics for processing into nutrient-rich compost. The process reduces methane emissions, extends landfill capacity, and provides a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.
According to EcoVerde Organics Chief Operating Officer Katy Duggan, more than 30 percent of food produced in the United States is wasted, much of it ending up in landfills. Composting offers a practical way for communities and businesses to reduce environmental impact while supporting soil and water quality.
Batavia Rotary President Lynn VanDerBeck said the initiative reflects Rotary International’s commitment to environmental stewardship. “This is a practical, collaborative solution that benefits both local businesses and the broader community,” VanDerBeck said. “We hope it will encourage additional participation across Genesee County.”
Funding for the program is provided through a Rotary District 7090 matching grant.