Composting

Using Temple Beth Israel’s Composter
Our temple has started a composting program thanks to a generous grant from the
Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles. New to composting? Want to check out
our rules before using the composter? Here is a FAQ to get you started.

What is composting?
Composting is the biological decomposition of organic waste by recycling food and other
organic materials into compost. It can be practiced for various environmental advantages such
as reducing landfill and methane contribution, improving soil fertility and limiting food waste.
Composting can be achieved thanks to a variety of methods. At TBI, we have chosen to use a
composter made of wooden bins.

How does it work?
It’s easy: Add your *Greens to the composting bin (left box) and Cover them up with *Browns.
After a few weeks, once the composting bin is full, volunteers will transfer it to the cooking bin
(right box). Please do not add anything to the cooking bin.

What can I add to the Composter?

Who can compost?
The goal of the composter is to help TBI dispose of its organic food waste after events, dinners,
kiddishes, classes, Torah School, etc. Every volunteer or participant on site can use the composter provided that they have familiarized themselves with the rules. Our compost bin is
also open to all of your TBI members who would like to bring their own scraps on site. If you are
not a TBI member and would like to use the composter, please email noemie.taylor@gmail.com

When can I bring my compost?
Our composter is basically open when our temple is open (check out our newsletter or website
for events, classes and services) :-)
This usually includes: Every first, second and third Friday night of the month. On Saturday
mornings between 10 and 1:30pm. On Sunday mornings between 8:45 and 12:30 pm.

Wait, doesn’t California already have a composting program for its residents?
Technically, yes. California Law now requires organic waste collection to reduce climate change.
Starting in 2022, the state requires residents and businesses to recycle organic waste, and all
jurisdictions must provide organic waste collection services. But right now, L.A.'s Bureau of
Sanitation only allows residents in its composting pilot program to do so, according to the LA
Times.

Even when the program gets fully implemented, that shouldn’t prevent you from composting at
home or at your favorite temple in Highland Park. Garden composting is better for multiple
reasons.

1. In terms of carbon footprint. Your scraps don’t have to be picked up and travel by
truck to a waste facility outside of LA.

2. With garden composting, you get to collect your own
compost, use it on the garden, plants etc.

3. It’s just fun to get your hands dirty. Did you know
turning a compost pile is seen by many as a meditative practice?

Learn more about Composting here.

Questions? Email noemie.taylor@gmail.com