Organicycle

Organicycle is a company set on keeping organic food waste out of landfills and returning those important minerals to Michigan soil. The 13-year-old company diverted 5 million pounds of organic waste in 2022 alone. Started by Bridget and Dan Tietema, Organicycle began while Bridget was a teacher and started questioning where the school's food waste was going. As is the case in many places, there was no infrastructure surrounding composting, meaning that all food waste was headed to the landfill. Organicycle was created to fill that gap. 

The company is heavily focused on education and outreach in West Michigan. Residents have taken to curbside composting with enthusiasm. Now the challenge lies with companies or schools that lack the education they need to feel confident about composting and to show them that it is an easy and viable way to make an impact on our environment. 

Organicycle plans to double composting efforts in 2023, with an ambitious but achievable goal of composting 10 million pounds of organic waste. They are looking to expand into new Michigan locations, and adding staff to accommodate the growth they are pursuing. Dan Tietema pointed out that actions mean more than words, and it is important that the composting conversation goes beyond talking with the same small group of stakeholders. They feel passionate about bringing composting to the forefront of people's minds. 

Organicycle can be found at the Michigan Recycling Coalition's 41st Annual Conference this May, where they will be hosting a composting challenge for attendees. 

Learn More: https://www.organicycle.org/