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It’s a go for composting facility in town of Sherman

egislator Bill Ward looks over Slab City Organics plans with owner Greg Rater.

Slab City Organics, owned and operated by Greg Rater of Sherman, was recently reregistered and certified as a recognized composting facility.

Due to an effort supported by Ward, with the direction from Dave Spann of Chautauqua County Soil and Water, and Rob Halbohm, formerly of Chautauqua County Soil and Water, Slab City Organics was given the green light by the DEC. With 30 years of experience in static composting, Rater’s operation is ready and able to accept biodegradable material that as of now ends up in the landfill. Now that Rater’s years-long effort is realized, Slab City will eventually provide three-year chemical free organically certified topsoil. This is one step closer to a greener and more environmentally friendly Chautauqua County.

Effective Jan. 1, 2022, the state Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law requires large generators of food scraps — defined as having an annual average of 2 tons or scraps per week or more — to separate and donate edible food, or separate and recycle all remaining food scraps if located within 25 miles of an organics recycler. Slab City Organics is hopeful that he and Chautauqua County can tackle the issue together. Rater expressed thanks for the help, guidance, and vision from Legislator Bill Ward, R-Mayville, and the Chautauqua County Soil and Water District.

“(Bill Ward has) done more for me than anybody in the Legislature has all these years,” Rater said.

“This is huge news for Chautauqua County and for the future of organic recycling in New York state,” Ward said recently. “We are optimistic that Slab City will be able to fill some needs long lacking in this area. It was great that the community rallied around Greg, and it was due to his tenacity and tireless advocacy for a greener process that we were able to get this done.”

“The Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District provides technical services to landowners throughout Chautauqua County. We have worked with Slab City Organics over the years to assist Greg in promoting his proven composting operation,” Spann added. “The Conservation District is supportive of Slab City Organics’ efforts to establish a local business and take on the challenge of reducing organic waste from our landfills and reproducing this waste into a usable product.”

Information about Slab City Organics can be found at www.justgooddirt.com or by calling 761-6517.

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