Sla links over

Composting & soil health hubs

Composting and soil health hubs are community-based facilities that turn organic waste—such as kitchen scraps, garden clippings, animal manure, and even seaweed—into nutrient-rich compost. This compost improves soil structure and water retention, which is vital for agriculture in dry and sandy soils common in Caribbean islands. By diverting organic waste from landfills, these hubs reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, and help create a circular economy. In places like Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Martin, hubs often operate as communal drop-off points or through partnerships with restaurants and hotels. The compost produced is shared among households and farmers, supporting local food systems and reducing reliance on imported fertilizers.

Feasibility & Local Applicability

This option is highly feasible. It requires minimal infrastructure and technical expertise, making it suitable for community-led initiatives. Partnerships with schools, farms, and tourism businesses can strengthen implementation.

Co-benefits

Beyond climate benefits, composting hubs reduce landfill pressure, improve soil fertility, and enhance food security. Healthier soils retain more water, making crops more resilient to droughts and heavy rains. These hubs also foster environmental awareness, create green jobs, and promote social cohesion through community participation.

Equity & Vulnerability Considerations

To ensure fairness, training and participation should be accessible to all, including low-income households and smallholder farmers. Benefits such as compost distribution must be shared equitably. Community-led models can empower groups by reducing input costs for farming and improving local food availability.

Costs

Low | Initial expenses include bins, collection systems, and training, but these are modest and can be supported by grants, partnerships or donations. Operating costs remain low because the process uses locally available organic materials and simple technology.

Case studies & Examples

Literature

Adaptation Options Overzicht