About the Pilot Program

The pilot program is sponsored by 11th Hour Racing and the City of Newport.

How long is the program?
The program is funded for two years, from October 5, 2025 through October 2, 2027.  Enroll now to reserve your spot.  Collection will begin the week of October 5th.

Who can sign up?
Any year-round Newport resident, that can be served by Black Earth Compost, is eligible to sign up for the program. We can work with households living in condominiums or multifamily housing. The bin will need to be in a location our drivers can spot and drive to easily.

If you are a seasonal resident you can still participate in curbside compost collection outside the pilot with a private pay subscription. Please contact us directly at service@blackearthcompost.com to sign up.

The program is first-come, first-serve for up to 1,500 residents. A wait list will be maintained if the pilot program reaches capacity or you can enroll in private pay service outside the pilot.

Can existing Black Earth customers participate?
Existing customers can choose to sign up for the pilot or continue with their current plan and leave a spot open for a new participant. Enrollment in the pilot can be done through your online account. A credit will be applied to your account for any time remaining on your current plan and then you will start a new weekly collection plan under the pilot program. Existing customers are not eligible for a free starter kit.

Will I get a bin when I sign up?
All new Black Earth customers will receive a free starter kit, which includes a 13-gallon curbside bin and liners for the curbside bin. Starter kits will be delivered one-two weeks prior to the first pick up. 

Do I need bin liners?
Bin liners are required as they will help keep your bin clean. After the first roll of liners is provided in the starter kit, participants are responsible for securing their own liners. All liners must be certified compostable by Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA), or TUV and have their logo printed directly on each bag. Liners can be purchased through Black Earth in the Shop section of your online account, but you are not required to purchase liners through Black Earth. Doubled-up brown paper bags can also be used as a liner when the temperature is above freezing. Learn more about purchasing liners here.

Will I receive information about what goes in my bin?
Yes, you will receive a detailed compost guide to print and put on your refrigerator about what can and not be composted with our service. In addition you will have an online account to access helpful resources and manage your service.

Why Participate in Curbside Food Scrap Collection?

Reduce Waste and Conserve Valuable Landfill Space
The Rhode Island Johnston Landfill is scheduled to reach capacity in 2046. At the same time the cost of waste disposal is increasing, while up to 30% of household waste could be composted at one of our industrial compost facilities.

Improve Soil Health
Finished compost, when added to soil, improves moisture retention and adds nutrients and organic matter that improve soil and plant health. The compost is used on local farms and backyard gardens to grow food and strength our food security.

Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In the landfill, food scraps break down anaerobically and generate methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. In the compost pile they break down aerobically, without methane emission. In addition, compost, when added to soil, is proven to draw down carbon from the atmosphere.

Improve Our Waterways
Compost lessens our dependence on artificial fertilizers that pollute our waterways.