"Kompost Kids" helps to keep food waste out of landfills

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- No matter what time of year it is, a lot of the food we make and buy ends up in the garbage -- but more and more restaurants are partnering with a local organization to keep some of that waste out of landfills.

"Kompost Kids" works with lots of local eateries and cafes, including Colectivo.

On Wednesday, November 20th they loaded up a cart with egg shells, banana peels and coffee grounds.

Every month, this particular coffee shop alone contributes about 2,000 pounds of waste.

It will all be composted and turned into nutrient-rich soil for local community gardens.

"It is the foundation of everything. You know, you can't grow healthy vegetables without healthy soil and with the amount of brownfields here in Milwaukee and contaminated vacant lots, it's essential to have raised gardening," "Kompost Kids" founder Melissa Tashjian said.

The group composts food waste year-round and don't stop in winter.

Since they started about five years ago, they've produced 200 tons of soil.