Detroit Dirt

About This Organization

Detroit-based composting and biomass organization founded in 2011 by Pashon Murray and Greg Willerer. Converts corporate and restaurant food waste into high-quality compost for urban farms and community gardens, creating a closed-loop system that diverts waste from landfills while regenerating urban soil.

Why We're Interested

Exemplifies the closed-loop waste-to-wealth model at the heart of WholeFam's Cyclical Living wing. Pashon Murray's work turns everyday waste into the foundation for urban food sovereignty — practical, proven, and deeply community-rooted. The Harvest Program and corporate-partnership model show how community-scale composting can become a sustainable local economy.

Their Model

Closed-loop composting — diverts food waste from businesses and institutions, processes into compost, supplies urban farmers and community gardeners. Revenue from compost sales and waste diversion services.

Strengths

Pioneer in urban composting with 10+ years of operational experience. Bridges corporate waste streams with community food production. Strong education and community engagement component. Founded by a Black woman in environmental justice — represents the kind of community leadership WholeFam amplifies.

How They're Similar to WholeFam

Closed-loop waste-to-resource model mirrors WholeFam's Cyclical Living wing. Urban soil regeneration directly serves the Growing Food wing. Community-scale, practical, hands-on education. Pashon Murray's decade-plus commitment exemplifies the kind of persistent, place-based stewardship WholeFam appreciates.

How They Differ from WholeFam

Primary focus is composting and soil regeneration rather than community building or hospitality. Revenue model is more commercial than WholeFam's community-supported approach. Detroit-specific — not yet replicated elsewhere.