2025-147

THE CITY OF NEWPORT

RESOLUTION

OF THE
COUNCIL

No.2025-147

WHEREAS: the Rhode Island Central Landfill is nearing capacity and the RI Solid Waste 2038 plan recommends supporting food waste diversion; and

WHEREAS: Newport’s 2017 Comprehensive Community Plan includes GOAL CSF-2, To meet or exceed the State’s mandated solid waste recycling rate of 35% with actions: A) Begin to include compost waste into the City’s recycling efforts; and B) Educate citizens regarding the benefits of composting, available programs and the costs associated with organic waste disposal; and

WHEREAS: 11th Hour Racing awarded the City of Newport $475,000.00 for up to 1,500 residential addresses to receive two years of residential curbside composting pickup service, including bins and materials for households and 11th Hour Racing pre-selected Black Earth Compost as the preferred vendor as a condition and assumption of awarding the grant funds; and

WHEREAS: the City allocated $30,000 in its approved Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Plan as match for this project; and

WHEREAS: Black Earth Compost’s Service Agreement for this program includes a not-to-exceed $499,220.00 cost which covers $59,250 for 1,500 starter kits (bins and bin liners), and $439,970.00 for two years of weekly hauling service for up to 1,500 residences; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED: a Service Agreement between the City of Newport and Black Earth Compost in an amount not to exceed $499,220.00 to support a two-year Residential Curbside Composting program with weekly pickup service for up to 1,500 households is hereby approved and the Council Chair or City Manager is authorized to sign said Service Agreement on behalf of the City, subject to review of the City Solicitor’s office.

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
AUGUST 27, 2025

LAUR