Public Participation Grants (PPG)

TMK 30(kg) Composter

Empowering Tribes Through the Mobile Compost Project

Funded through the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Public Participation Grant (PPG), TSWAN’s Mobile Compost Project partners with tribal communities to drastically reduce food waste. Our target is to increase composting by 20% on participating tribal lands—directly contributing to Washington State’s organic waste diversion goals while improving environmental quality and community well-being.

We are advancing a shared mission to turn food waste into nutrient-rich soil by inviting tribal partners to host a compact, commercial composting unit that transforms up to 60 pounds of daily food scraps into valuable soil amendments.

Composter at work at the Sauk Suiattle Tribe

Organic fertlizer after 24 hours

Proven Success in the Field

The Mobile Compost Project is already making a measurable environmental impact. Having successfully completed placements at two tribal locations, the program has already achieved:

1,800 lbs of food waste successfully diverted from entering landfills.
250 lbs of nutrient-rich organic fertilizer produced and returned to tribal soils.

Host a Composting Unit for Grant Year 2

Following a highly successful first year, we are now looking for tribal partners to host our compact commercial composter for a one-month rotation during our second grant year. TSWAN will personally deliver the machine and provide hands-on training.

Capability: Converts up to 60 lbs of daily food scraps into rich fertilizer.
Requirements: A covered space, a standard outlet, and 1 hour of daily monitoring.
Supplies Provided: Trailer, ramp, weighing scale, and collection buckets.

Upcycling Plastic Waste into Community Infrastructure

Funded through the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Public Participation Grant (PPG), TSWAN’s Plastic Upcycling Project works alongside tribal communities to reduce plastic waste and pioneer value-added products from materials destined for landfills.

This innovative initiative fosters a true circular economy, intercepting discarded plastics and exploring sustainable manufacturing technologies and markets specifically tailored to rural tribal contexts. By converting waste into high-value construction materials—such as durable park benches and structural 2×4 lumber—participating tribes build long-lasting infrastructure for future generations while keeping local lands clean. Our goal is simple: collect waste, divert it from the landfill, and return it directly to the community as a valuable asset.

The Science & Safety of the Process

To ensure the structural integrity of our upcycled products and the safety of our teams, this program operates under strict technical guidelines:

Plastic Sorting & Compatibility: Because different types of plastic melt at unique temperatures, materials cannot be mixed during the molding process. Consequently, only specific, compatible plastics are eligible for collection.
Emissions Management: While melting plastic produces minimal fumes, all processing is conducted with robust safety protocols to manage ventilation and protect local air quality.

Report abuse