Black Earth Organic Waste Composting (OWC)

 is a verified emissions reduction initiative led by 

, operating across three composting facilities in Massachusetts, USA. The project diverts residential and commercial food and soiled paper waste from landfills and incinerators, converting it into nutrient-rich compost through aerobic processing. This significantly reduces methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas—associated with anaerobic landfill decomposition.

Framingham, Groton, and Manchester-by-the-Sea

material shredders, front-end loaders, and calibrated weigh scales

 to ensure efficient operations and accurate measurements.

compost weight, fuel and electricity use, and truck mileage

 and managed in centralized systems, with rigorous conservativeness built into emission estimates. All monitoring is aligned with the 

Emission reductions are calculated using 

 and validated equations. In 2022 and 2023 alone, the project avoided a total of 

, based on conservative assumptions. Methane and nitrous oxide emission factors were updated using peer-reviewed and government sources to reflect modern composting science.

 by targeting waste streams not subject to mandatory composting laws in Massachusetts (i.e., below 1,000 lbs/week per source). No food waste is sourced from grocery stores, ensuring compliance with performance criteria under the CAR protocol.

, the facility owner and operator, the project maintains 

, with no violations reported at any facility.

: Cuts food waste by approximately 8,000 metric tons annually

: Mitigates ~7,000 tCO₂e in annual GHG emissions

: Supports decent work and local economic activity through community employment

: Enhances sustainable urban waste practices

, the project has since consolidated under 

 to streamline administrative transparency.

, with no double-counting, no overlapping GHG programs, and strict adherence to composting eligibility conditions.

, ensuring independent financial viability without reliance on mandated public programs.

Black Earth 2022-2023 OWC generates carbon credits validated under the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) and Verra registries, now transitioned to 

 for enhanced project transparency and administrative efficiency.

The Black Earth Organic Waste Compost project in Massachusetts, USA, is an organic waste composting initiative operational since December 1, 2021, diverting food waste from landfills to reduce 7,000 tCO2e annually. Verified under the CAR Organic Waste Composting Protocol, it supports climate action and enhances community sustainability.

SWGP - General Permit for Recycling, Composting or Digestion Operation Renewal

General Permit Recycling Composting & Digestion

Black Earth Organic Waste Compost is an organic waste composting initiative managed by One Earth Fund Inc., operating in Massachusetts, USA. This project transforms residential and commercial food waste into compost, effectively diverting waste from landfills. By avoiding the anaerobic decay of food waste in landfills, the project mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate action. 

Key Highlights

-Composting facilities utilize advanced windrow and forced aeration technologies, with daily capacities reaching 21 tons across multiple sites. Each site is equipped with material shredders, calibrated weight scales, and aerated floor systems to optimize the composting process. 
-The initiative employs a rigorous monitoring framework that records waste sources, weights, and delivery timelines to ensure data accuracy. Processes are supported by annual audits and compliance with ISO 14064 standards. 
-By eliminating methane emissions associated with landfill decomposition, the project achieves an estimated annual greenhouse gas mitigation of 7,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. 
-Black Earth Compost, a stakeholder in the project, owns and operates the composting facilities, which are also integral to local community engagement and economic activity.

Environmental and Social Benefits

This project contributes significantly to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing food waste, enhancing soil quality, and fostering local employment. The initiative also mitigates potential risks through strict regulatory compliance and ongoing stakeholder consultations.  

Certifications and Additionality
   
The project adheres to the CAR Organic Waste Composting Protocol V1.1 and meets all performance and legal requirements for additionality. It is funded entirely by private donations to the One Earth Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Carbon Credits
  
Black Earth 2022-2023 OWC generates carbon credits validated under the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) and Verra registries, now transitioned to Carbonmark for enhanced project transparency and administrative efficiency