Mission

Our mission is to empower local residents to take collective action over the issue of food waste. 

History

Compost NOW started as a free residential food waste collection project in New Orleans, and has transitioned into promoting and supporting a network of decentralized drop off sites.

Founded in January 2017 by Master Composter Lynne Serpe, our ultimate goal is to build a network of community composters in every neighborhood in New Orleans. Since our inception, we have helped divert nearly one million pounds of food waste from local landfills. Food scraps are processed at local farms, community gardens and compost vendors where they are turned into nutrient-rich compost or used to feed farm animals. 

Our volunteer-run program was modeled after a similar food waste collection program Lynne started and ran with the Queens Library system—which is still ongoing years later. In the beginning, we worked with the New Orleans Public Library (2017-2020) as community libraries are models of reuse and resource sharing in a place that's convenient to everyone, across all demographics and ages. Like many, we had to pivot when COVID hit and find new partners. We started making and distributing low-cost backyard compost bins and indoor worm bins, and began coordinating “direct-to-farm” drop off options. Since 2023, we primarily just promote food waste collections across the city and try to provide education and awareness about the importance of composting. In 2024, we partnered with the City of New Orleans, Sprout NOLA, REALCYCLE and Schmelly’s Dirt Farm to apply for - and receive — a federal grant from the USDA. Unfortunately, that grant was terminated less than a year later after a new administration took over. 

As we continue to grow, we continue to work with local farms, community gardens, public spaces, and businesses with like-minded ideas and goals for the community. We look forward to building a sustainable future for New Orleans. Together, we can make a difference.