Composting with Purpose in Santa Fe
Founded in 2011, Reunity Resources began by converting used cooking oil into biodiesel. Over time, the mission expanded to include food waste composting—an essential service for New Mexico’s dry, alkaline soils. Composting with purpose is crucial for enhancing the soil quality in Santa Fe. “We recognized that there was a need locally here in Santa Fe to keep food waste out of the landfill, and instead convert that into compost,” said Trevor Ortiz, operations manager for Reunity Resources.
Today, the company collects food waste from restaurants, schools, and other businesses, transforming it into nutrient-rich compost. Composting with purpose in Santa Fe helps reduce water usage as well. “Compost has an amazing water retention or water holding capacity,” Trevor explained. “So that can reduce our use locally on water and help save that water and keep it in the soil where we need it most.
Operating on one acre, Reunity diverts 1.5 million pounds of food waste annually. Their composting process blends food waste with mulch or manure. This maintains 68% moisture and uses aerated static pile and traditional windrow techniques. Front-end loaders mix and move the material to create a uniform product.”
Reunity’s Working Partner
For the past eight years, Reunity has relied on John Deere equipment from 4Rivers. Their operation requires reliable machinery. They also rent a second loader during peak months. “One loader is dedicated to production, the other to customer service,” Trevor noted. Working with Damon Wicketts at 4Rivers has been a highlight of their partnership: “I can call Damon and get an immediate response.”
The switch to 4Rivers came after lackluster experiences from a previous heavy equipment company. “We were extremely disappointed with the level of customer service they were providing, which is why we ended up shifting to 4Rivers,” Trevor said.
Situated in Santa Fe, Reunity’s tucked-away location is a “hidden gem,” and the organization stands out for its commitment to sustainability, education, and community impact. Whether it’s farming, composting, or teaching at the farm camp, pursuing composting with purpose in Santa Fe ensures they’re making significant impacts in the local community.