Food Scrap Conversion Projects
Everglades Earth Cycle Brings Composting to the Miccosukee Tribe
Georgia Wray Norsten — March 8, 2025
The 'Everglades Earth Cycle' is turning food waste into a valuable resource, repurposing discarded scraps into nutrient-rich compost for a Miccosukee Tribe community garden. Led by the Village of Pinecrest, this pioneering program -- Miami-Dade County’s first large-scale municipal composting initiative -- has already collected 90,000 pounds of food waste. Funded by federal and local grants, the project aims to expand its reach, with plans for additional drop-off locations to encourage broader participation.
By diverting organic waste from landfills, Everglades Earth Cycle helps reduce methane emissions and supports regenerative agriculture. The compost, processed by Fertile Earth Worm Farm, is carefully evaluated before being introduced to the sensitive Everglades ecosystem. Scientists will assess its potential to restore degraded land, offering long-term environmental benefits beyond agriculture.
Beyond sustainability, the project fosters collaboration between Pinecrest and the Miccosukee Tribe, highlighting composting as a step toward broader conservation efforts. With ongoing community education and research, this initiative sets a precedent for waste reduction and ecological restoration.
