WESTWOOD, N.J.—What began as an Eagle Scout project has become a new community sustainability initiative in the borough.
Nicholas “Nico” Doell officially opened the borough’s pilot compost program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this past weekend, marking the completion of nearly a year and a half of planning, fundraising, construction, and coordination.
Doell, a member of BSA Troop 350 and a junior at Westwood Regional High School, proposed the community composting initiative as his Eagle Scout project. His goal was to create a practical system for residents who might not have the space or ability to maintain backyard compost piles.
Compost is decayed organic matter—such as food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings—that has been broken down by microorganisms into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Often called “black gold,” it is used in gardening and farming to feed plants and improve soil health.
The completed project includes a collection shed at the Department of Public Works, a donor recognition plaque, lighting, and other improvements aimed at trouble-free long-term use.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by forests,” Doell said during the ceremony. “For me the woods were always a place where my mind could escape.”
Mayor Raymond Arroyo said Doell and his father initially came to his home to discuss possible Eagle Scout projects that could support borough environmental initiatives. Arroyo connected them with Councilwoman Erin Collins, whose proposed pilot composting program fit Doell’s goals.
“Rick Woods and Matt Donahue provided valuable guidance in the siting and construction of the shed. And Nico executed his design flawlessly,” Arroyo said.
He noted that Doell repurposed rough 2-by-6 lumber used for concrete forms, staining and installing it along the shed’s interior walls. The boards reinforce the walls while serving as bumpers for the rolling compost bins and protecting the structural elements.
“Nico really thought of everything and it shows in the end result — a forward thinking contribution that he, Troop 350 and the whole town can be proud of,” Arroyo said.
Collins said the borough has received strong interest from residents hoping to participate in the pilot program. Each participating household will receive a 5-gallon bucket for compostable kitchen waste, which residents can empty into large rolling containers inside the shed. A vendor will collect the full containers weekly and replace them with empty ones.
The borough clerk is expected to contact participants within two weeks to begin the program, Collins said.
“I am sincerely thankful for the support of our mayor and council on this program, it has a been a dream of mine for sometime since I have been attending various seminars and programs as a councilperson in the realm of sustainability, compost and environmental stewardship,” she said.
If the pilot succeeds, Collins said, borough officials hope to expand it townwide.
Council President Lauren Letizia said she was thrilled that the project was complete, “particularly because it has the potential to not only impact our environment, but also our taxpayers’ pockets!”
Councilwoman Beth Dell called the project “a win-win- win! … The shed was beautifully crafted, down to the detail of the motion sensor porch light for evening drop-off.”
“Nico learned so much in the process gaining confidence, satisfaction and pride through the building construction,” she said.
Arroyo said he plans to bring Mike Westphal, principal owner of the borough’s carting company, into discussions on expanding the pilot program.
Through the initial program, participating households will collect approved compostable materials and bring them to the DPW drop-off location. The material will be collected and processed by Neighborhood Compost, the organics hauling service partnering with the borough.
“My hope for the future of Westwood is that this project will revolutionize the way we as a town approach sustainability,” Doell said.
He thanked Arroyo, Collins, Borough Administrator Durene Ayer, the Borough Council, the Westwood Environmental Advisory Committee, Neighborhood Compost, the Department of Public Works, project donors, volunteers, his family, and fellow Scouts.
“As we cut this ribbon today I can’t wait to see what this program will flourish into,” Doell said. “Although it is a major step for our town, its success comes down to all of our participation.”
Residents seeking information may contact Jean-Marie Vadovic at jvadovic@westwoodnj.gov or Doell at nicovdoell@gmail.com.