Top: Images courtesy of Compost Power and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) shared a “Rodent Reduction Rubric” created by Domingo Morales, CEO and founder of Compost Power, a nonprofit that builds sustainable community composting sites across New York City (NYC) with an emphasis on under-resourced and marginalized communities. “Morales created this Rodent Reduction Rubric based on his ‘diamond standard’ best management practices being implemented at Compost Power’s nine composting sites throughout NYC,” explains the ILSR post. “These practices have been recognized as being in alignment with the New York Public Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) integrated pest management approach for eliminating the root causes of pests.” A number of Compost Power’s composting sites are at NYCHA residential buildings.
The rubric is intended for sites utilizing the hot composting method. It covers four main areas of operation at a composting site — system placement, work surface, compost management, and compost biofilter layer on top of piles. From 1 to 3, with 1 being high rodent potential, 2 being low rodent potential and 3 being rodent prevention, operators can rate their site’s rodent resilience. For example, a compost system located on loose dirt, mulch, sand, etc. falls into high rodent potential (1), whereas a compost system located on a hard surface such as concrete pavers, concrete slabs, steel slabs, stone, etc. are optimum for rodent prevention. In terms of system placement, being located against a wall, in a dark corner, surrounded by clutter, or an area with the least amount of foot traffic is a rodent magnet. Conversely, a system located in an open area with ample lighting and increased foot traffic is optimum.
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After doing the evaluation, a site can rate itself on a scale of 1 to 3 based on the guidance across each of the four categories. A passing score is 8 out of a total 12 possible points. A score of 1 in any category negates a passing grade. “Whether creating a new site or looking to improve an existing one, this easy-to-follow rubric highlights the key factors to pay attention to in order to minimize rodent risk,” says ILSR, which has a downloadable “Oh Rats! Guide” for more information about rodent prevention at composting sites.
