Austin's compost program takes off

Kristine Bruening says the new compost recycling program is all like a little game of arts and crafts to her so far.
"You're supposed to use a paper bag" said Bruening, "Or you can cut a newspaper and fold it and make a liner, says you have to use a liner."

She doesn't think having an extra trash can on the curb is a big deal either. She thinks most locals will catch on to the concept.

"I think it's fantastic," added Bruening, "Because Austin has the kind of people that would take the time to do this extra step and then we'll be putting less in the landfill".

The compost pilot project launched a week ago. Nearly 8 thousand households spread out throughout Austin will have the chance to see how well it works. Education is the first step.

"Meat, bones, any type of food and vegetables so any food waste is allowable in there", said Vidal Maldonado with the Austin Resource Recovery department, "Soiled paper like dirty napkins, dirty paper plates".

These will then be sent to a nearby recycling center where they'll be turned into compost. Much of it will come back to the city for them to use free of charge.It's too early to tell whether this program will succeed or if Austinites will embrace it, but based on a poll on one today, it may have a decent chance of sticking around past the first year.