Sustainability committee asks New Providence to back 6‑month Greenbucket compost pilot

John Keane, a member of the New Providence Sustainability Committee, presented a proposal asking the borough to support a six‑month pilot with Greenbucket to offer curbside residential compost pickup. Keane said the committee chose Greenbucket because the company’s service is more economical and easier for residents to use than some alternatives, and that the service would not require direct funding from the borough: residents would sign up and pay Greenbucket directly. Keane said the committee surveyed residents late in the school year and received 31 responses, with roughly 58% of respondents saying they would pay for home pickup and more than 75% expressing interest in a central drop‑off option.

Council members asked about logistics — bucket size, whether liners prevent odor, whether Greenbucket requires a minimum number of households, and how the borough would handle marketing or outreach. Keane said the typical container is a five‑gallon bucket with a tight‑sealing lid, that Greenbucket already serves nearby neighborhoods, and that the pricing figures shown were current quotes with the expectation the price could drop if uptake is higher. He also said the sustainability committee would return to council with negotiated pricing and that any formal borough procurement would follow required bidding procedures.

Council and staff emphasized two practical points: the borough cannot unilaterally select a vendor without following procurement rules if the borough becomes involved financially, and outreach materials or town marketing costs were not yet assigned. Several council members voiced support for the pilot as a no‑cost way to test resident interest, while asking the committee to provide firmer participation and pricing figures before any formal municipal commitment.

The committee also publicized a Freecycle Fest scheduled for Sept. 14 and asked residents to note donation drop‑off and event times. The council thanked the committee for the presentation and asked staff to help coordinate any necessary follow‑up procurement review.