Dive summary:

• Officials in Bethlehem, Pa. have come up with a plan to save upwards of $230,000 a year with the city's compost to mulch initiative.
• The Solid Waste Authority in Bethlehem is pairing up with a private company for the process which is expected to save the city $180,000 in equipment and fuel costs.
• Bethlehem generates about 40,000 tons of mulch at its compost center and uses about half for city projects and residents' needs; the remaining 20,000 tons are sold to people outside the city.

From the article:

Bethlehem has a huge backlog of yard waste following Superstorm Sandy — and often has a regular backlog — so there’s no chance that there won’t be enough mulch for city residents, Marshall said. Residents will be able to continue taking mulch for free, though the city is putting up a fence to restrict non-city residents from taking it.

The compost center on Schoenersville Road is closed through the end of the month while the fence is installed. ...