SoilMill PGH Releases Phase I Final Report, Launches Next Steps in Citywide Composting Effort
Pittsburgh, PA – The City of Pittsburgh proudly announces the release of the Phase I Final Report for SoilMill PGH, a transformative composting pilot program that officially wrapped up on December 30, 2024. Designed to explore innovative ways to strengthen composting infrastructure and expand access across the city, SoilMill PGH represents a bold step forward in Pittsburgh’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental justice, and a circular economy.
Born from community advocacy and championed by the Department of City Planning, the Department of Public Works, and Citiparks—with strong support from City Council—SoilMill PGH was launched to pilot solutions that make composting more accessible, effective, and inclusive for all Pittsburghers.
“This is about more than just composting—it’s about protecting our neighborhoods, building healthy communities, and making sure every Pittsburgher has a role in creating a cleaner, greener city,” said Mayor Ed Gainey.
Laying the Groundwork for a Greener Future During Phase I, the program tested composting methods at the household, facility, and community levels, identifying scalable approaches to reduce food waste and regenerate soil health. The results are now shaping the path forward for a cleaner, healthier Pittsburgh.
Phase II is already underway, launched in May 2024 and continuing through 2027. This next phase will focus on building robust regional composting infrastructure, scaling access citywide, and aligning waste management with Pittsburgh’s broader goals for climate resilience and environmental equity.
Calling on Community Partners To support the next chapter of the pilot, the Department of City Planning has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for experienced providers. Opportunities include organic waste pickup, processing, staging, education, and community outreach. The RFQ opened on April 11, 2025, and submissions are due by 3AM on May 23, 2025. Questions will be accepted until 3PM on May 16, 2025.
“What we toss at the curb is just the beginning of a much bigger story—one that impacts our air, our water, our soil, and our communities,” said Aftyn Giles, Sustainability & Resilience Principal Planner. “By rethinking food waste, we’re not just diverting it from landfills—we’re creating a more resilient, sustainable Pittsburgh.”
Looking ahead, City Planning is gearing up for a summer of public engagement as part of its comprehensive planning process, creating opportunities for residents to help shape the future of the City on twenty topics, including waste management—from everyday composting to long-term zero waste strategies.
“Together, we are reimagining waste as a resource—and building a city that works for people and the planet,” said City Planning Director, Dr. Jamil Bey
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