Tops Friendly Markets has launched a community composting initiative called “From Scraps to Soil.” The program introduces a neighborhood compost drop-off location at the retailer’s 6150 South Park Ave. store in Hamburg, New York.
The pilot program marks Tops’ first retail composting effort designed for customer use. It builds on an current partnership with Farmer Pirates Compost, a worker-owned company that provides commercial composting services at 18 Tops locations.
“At Tops, we believe meaningful change starts at the community level,” said President Ron Ferri. “Together with Farmer Pirates Compost, we’re reducing landfill waste while empowering everyday participation in a more sustainable, locally driven system.”
The commercial partnership has diverted more than 455,000 pounds of organic waste from landfills to date. The material is transformed into nutrient-rich compost for local soils.
The Hamburg pilot has attracted 24 families who have signed up to participate. Compost collection totes are emptied each Tuesday.
“Farmer Pirates Compost is proud to partner with Tops Markets in a shared commitment to building a more sustainable community,” said Terra Courtney, worker-owner and administrative team member at Farmer Pirates Compost. “By installing convenient, accessible drop-off locations at local Tops stores, we’re expanding the impact of composting beyond businesses and into everyday life.”
Customers can enroll at farmerpirates.com/compost-drop-off. The program carries a $10 monthly fee with the first month free. Compost can be dropped off at the Hamburg location at any time. Tops plans to expand the program to additional store locations.
The composting initiative is part of a broader sustainability effort at Tops. The retailer has invested $1.6 million in LED lighting conversions expected to reduce electricity consumption by 16 million kilowatt-hours each year. The Flashfood app, available at more than 70 Tops locations, allows shoppers to save up to 60 percent on food nearing its best-by date and has diverted more than 50 million pounds of food from landfills.
The Fresh Recovery Program recovered more than 1.6 million pounds of food in 2024, up from 1.2 million pounds the prior year. The program redirects surplus produce and perishable items to local food banks and pantries.
Tops also recycled more than 1,950 tons of used cooking oil, 1,165 tons of plastic bags and stretch film and 120,000 tons of cardboard and paper in the past year.
[RELATED: Tops Friendly Markets Launches MoolahVille Cash Back Rewards Program]