2025-0830-01 - Management of North Beach Compost Hub

This ITQ seeks quotes for the management, operation, and maintenance of the North Beach Compost Hub. The North Beach Compost Hub, located on the corner of 85 Street and Collins Avenue, is a popular service that brings the community together and provides valuable environmental and sustainability benefits. The goal of this compost hub is to provide an easily accessible compost drop-off location for residents so that their food scraps can be turned into rich soil amendment.

Required Deliverables – the main services are:

1. Follow the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) community composting best practice recommendations.
2. Comply with all applicable regulations:
   1. Florida Statute 62-709 – “The following activities do not require a permit or registration under this chapter provided no public nuisance or any condition adversely affecting the environment or public health is created and the activity does not violate other state or local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, or orders.… Composting of solid waste generated on-site or off-site, when there is no more than 100 cubic yards on site at any one time of solid waste to be composted or undergoing the composting process and finished compost being stored for use.”
   2. Miami-Dade County Ordinance, adopted October 9, 2025.
   3. Handle site inspections and informational needs for State, County, City, and other agencies.
3. Site and compost pile design
   1. Take photos clearly showing compost piles are built to comply with EPA guidance and contract requirements.
   2. Upon request, City staff may inspect compost piles to provide approval before composting operations begin.
   3. Mulch should be contained; it should not be left in a pile on the ground.
   4. Specifications of the compost system and other logistical information will be shared and agreed upon with city staff.
      1. This includes frequency of mulch deliveries.
4. Regular visits to monitor the compost hub.
   1. Monitor and maintain the drop-off area with 3-4 weekly visits.
   2. Keep a record of site visits, and share with the city upon request.
   3. Ensure that the site is clean. Notify city staff of any issues that need to be addressed such as waste bin pickups, fencing updates, landscaping, etc.
   4. Keep bulletin updated with relevant information.
5. Regular processing of drop-off bins and compost piles.
   1. The drop-off bins will be emptied at minimum 2 times per week and monitored regularly.
   2. Food waste should be free of any contaminants when taken from the drop off bins and transferred into the compost piles.
      1. Remove plastics bags, bones, and other contaminants.
   3. Each step of the compost process should comply with EPA community composting best practice recommendations.
      1. This includes moisture level, temperature, and mix of materials in compost piles.
6. General maintenance
   1. Site should be kept tidy, free of debris. Miami Beach Sanitation provides waste bin and pickup for any onsite garbage/litter.
   2. Issues should be reported to city staff
   3. Equipment should be kept in good condition and properly maintained
7. Quarterly reports.
   1. Quarterly reports will be submitted to City staff at the end of March, June, September, and December. The reports will include, at a minimum, list of the days visited the hub and/or processed compost and metrics including total volume of waste collected, volume of finished compost, number of participants at events (if applicable), total reach across social media platforms, and results of compost testing.
   2. Quarterly compost testing to ensure health and safety. The proposed test details must be shared with City staff for their review and approval. At minimum, testing should include:
      1. Physical properties:

• Texture and particle size
• Moisture content
• Odor
  1. 2. Chemical properties

• pH level
• Nutrient content: Tests for macro-nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and micronutrients that can support plant growth.
• Soluble salts: High salt content can be harmful to plants.
  1. 3. Biological properties:

• Maturity: Testing to confirm the compost is fully decomposed and ready for use, without any risk of continuing degradation or disease.
• Pathogen levels: Should be free of harmful pathogens (such as E. coli, Salmonella) that could affect human health or plant safety.
• Stability: Assesses whether the compost will not generate excess heat or carbon dioxide when applied to the environment.
  1. 4. Contaminants:

• Heavy metals: Should not contain harmful levels of metals like lead, cadmium, or mercury, which could harm plants, wildlife, or humans.
• Toxic substances: Checks for the presence of any toxic chemicals that could pose a risk in garden settings.

1. Monthly community engagement event.
   1. At least one community engagement event will be planned and implemented every month. Workshop topics and dates must be shared with the City for their approval.
   2. Promotional flyers, newsletter and other engagement strategies.
      1. Promotional flyers will be shared with City staff 5-8 weeks before the scheduled community engagement event date for review and approval.
2. Pickup food waste at other drop-off locations throughout the City.
   1. Must have appropriate waste hauler permit to conduct this service. Please note if you do not have this permit.
3. Site updates.