Resources to Help Food Scrap Collectors and Composters Respond to Evolving Conditions During the Covid-19 Pandemic
We will update this resource page and welcome feedback and suggestions. Interested in our virtual home composting training? Email [email protected].
Check out our separate DIY & REUSABLE MASK RESOURCES.
Masks are particularly important for composters due to aspergillus fumigatus, a species of fungus that lives in soil, decaying leaves, and compost, and that can produce airborne spores. In order to meet the needs of our Community Composting Coalition, we have partnered with an independent business owner to make a specific reusable fabric “working” mask. More info here.
Fighting for a Better Future: A Statement from ILSR on the Coronavirus Crisis
Webinar Series: Composting & COVID-19
- Composting in the Time of COVID-19 Webinar Series (US Composting Council)
- Navigating COVID-19 for Small-Scale Food Scrap Collectors: Drop-off and Curbside, April 14
Composters & Collectors Share Resources
- Recommendations for Urban Agriculture and Community Gardening During COVID-19 (Grounded in Philly)
- GrowNYC COVID-19 Response
- California Compost Coalition Newsletter, April 2020 COVID-19 Special Edition
- Sally Brown Letter to the BioCycle Community: COVID-19 And Organics Recycling
- Earth Care Farm compost site protocols
- VIDEO: COVID-19 Precautions — The Community Compost Depot at Frey Gardens (Rhode Island) by Earth Appliance Organics
- BK ROT Protocol for COVID-19
- Compost Cab has started BRIJIT, a local food delivery service utilizing existing vehicles and workers
- Eco-Cycle March 2020 Newsletter to Customers: Changes at Eco-Cycle Due to COVID-19
- Guidance for Rural Community Compost Sites (Composting Association of Vermont)
Other Composting Resources
- Residential Composting During COVID-19 (US Composting Council Fact Sheet)
- European waste guidelines on managing COVID-19
- Composting for Avian Influenza Virus Elimination (NIH)
- Yes! In My Backyard: A Home Composting Guide for Local Government (ILSR report May 2018)
Waste Management & Recycling Covid-19 Resources & Articles
- Guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19), Solid Waste Management Association of America
- OSHA COVID-19 Guidance for Solid Waste and Wastewater Management Workers and Employers, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, US Department of Labor
- Water, sanitation, hygiene and waste management for COVID-19 (WHO)
- How coronavirus is disrupting US waste and recycling (Waste Dive, updated regularly)
- Small-scale organics recyclers struggle amid coronavirus pandemic (Waste Dive, March 31, 2020)
- Waste management an essential public service in the fight to beat COVID-19 (UN Environment, March 24, 2020)
DIY and Reusable Masks
Other Safety Protocol Resources
- These Common Household Products Can Destroy the Novel Coronavirus (Consumer Reports)
- FAQs about Hand Hygiene for Healthcare Personnel Responding to COVID-2019 (CDC)
- COVID-19 Disinfectant List (EPA)
- 16 Effective and Safe Products To Guard Against Coronavirus (EWG)
- Guide to Safe and Effective Cleaning and Disinfecting (Toxics Use Reduction Institute)
- Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (OSHA)
Business & Non-Profit Resources
- List of Covid-19 Assistance Programs for Small Business (ILSR)
- COVID-19 Pandemic: What Small Businesses Can Do
- How State and Local Governments are Helping Small Businesses During the Coronavirus Pandemic
- U.S. Small Business Administration Coronavirus Disaster Assistance — The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Coronavirus Nonprofit Risk Management Resources
- Nonprofit Quarterly: A Growing Group of Foundations Pledge No “Business as usual” with COVID-19, March 20, 2020
Farm Resources
- COVID-19 Resources for Farmers (Future Harvest)
- Remember Your Farmers During the COVID-19 Crisis (FoodTank)
- Sign Up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) (LocalHarvest.org)
- The Moment for Food Sovereignty is Now (Civil Eats, April 2, 2020)
Community and Mental Health Resources
- Facing COVID-19 With Community Instead of Fear
- Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety
- Coronavirus Mutual Aid Resource Kit
Government Websites
- Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov
- OSHA: www.osha.gov
- World Health Organization: www.who.int
- EPA: www.epa.gov
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov
- Coronavirus Information: www.coronavirus.gov
Image credit: Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS. Created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=23311
