City of Gainesville Commissioner Mail Archive

Honorable Mayor and Commissioners,

The City Manager has asked me to share with you the statement that will be used in response to the flyers placed on buckets by Beaten Path Compost. We understand you have been receiving emails, and we will also reach out to media with correct information.

(A photo of the flyer is attached for additional context if needed.)

City Statement on Beaten Path Compost Contract

The City of Gainesville values composting and continues to explore ways to reduce food waste in our community. However, Beaten Path Compost has not met the terms of its contract with the city. Over the past several weeks, Public Works staff tracked participation in the food waste pickup pilot program and found that only about half of the households enrolled were actually setting out buckets for collection. Despite this, Beaten Path has continued billing the city for the full number of customers, rather than invoicing based on actual participation as required by the contract.

Gainesville remains committed to composting and sustainability initiatives but cannot continue to pay public funds for services not rendered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the City reduce the number of participating customers?
No, the city did not reduce the number of customers. The city’s tracking efforts suggest that approximately 700 households requested compost buckets but only half are regularly participating in the program.

Does this mean Gainesville is abandoning composting efforts?
No, Gainesville remains committed to sustainability and reducing food waste. The city will continue to evaluate options for future composting programs. More information regarding composting and the City’s efforts can be found on our website via the following links: Food Waste Pilot Program; Composting & Food Waste Reduction; Backyard Composting.

Best Regards—

Jen

Jennifer Smart

Communications Director

City of Gainesville

(cell): 352-316-4141 | (office): 352-393-8627

smartj1@cityofgainesville.org

Please note: Under Florida's public records law, most written communications to or from City offices and employees regarding City business are public records and are available to the public upon request. If you do not wish your e-mail communications subject to public disclosure, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

Date Received:	9/23/2025 9:40:13 AM
To:	Ward, Harvey L; Eastman, Bryan M; Chestnut, Cynthia M; Walker, Desmon N; Willits, Casey W; Book, Edwin A; Ingle, James W
Cc:	Curry, Cynthia W; Persons, Andrew W; Singleton, Brian M; Ramos, Cintya G; Bryant, Kristen
From:	Smart, Jennifer
Subject:	City Statement on Beaten Path Compost Contract
Attachments:	Beaten Path Flyer on Bucket.jpg
Message:	Honorable Mayor and Commissioners, The City Manager has asked me to share with you the statement that will be used in response to the flyers placed on buckets by Beaten Path Compost. We understand you have been receiving emails, and we will also reach out to media with correct information. (A photo of the flyer is attached for additional context if needed.) City Statement on Beaten Path Compost Contract The City of Gainesville values composting and continues to explore ways to reduce food waste in our community. However, Beaten Path Compost has not met the terms of its contract with the city. Over the past several weeks, Public Works staff tracked participation in the food waste pickup pilot program and found that only about half of the households enrolled were actually setting out buckets for collection. Despite this, Beaten Path has continued billing the city for the full number of customers, rather than invoicing based on actual participation as required by the contract. Gainesville remains committed to composting and sustainability initiatives but cannot continue to pay public funds for services not rendered. Frequently Asked Questions Did the City reduce the number of participating customers? No, the city did not reduce the number of customers. The city’s tracking efforts suggest that approximately 700 households requested compost buckets but only half are regularly participating in the program. Does this mean Gainesville is abandoning composting efforts? No, Gainesville remains committed to sustainability and reducing food waste. The city will continue to evaluate options for future composting programs. More information regarding composting and the City’s efforts can be found on our website via the following links: Food Waste Pilot Program; Composting & Food Waste Reduction; Backyard Composting. Best Regards— Jen Jennifer Smart Communications Director City of Gainesville (cell): 352-316-4141 \| (office): 352-393-8627 smartj1@cityofgainesville.org Please note: Under Florida's public records law, most written communications to or from City offices and employees regarding City business are public records and are available to the public upon request. If you do not wish your e-mail communications subject to public disclosure, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

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