Composting is nature's way of turning your kitchen scraps and yard trimmings into gardening gold. It mimics the decomposition process that happens in forests, but in a controlled setting. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi munch on these organic materials, breaking them down into a dark, crumbly substance called compost. This compost is a soil amendment brimming with nutrients that plants crave.

• What should go in your composting bin - Food scraps (fruits, veggies, coffee grounds, pasta, meats, fish, cheese, etc.) - basically anything that once lived or came from a living being!
• How it works - These materials are layered in a bin and kept moist with occasional turning to aerate the pile. This provides oxygen for the decomposers to do their job.
• What comes from composting material - Rich, nutrient-packed compost that nourishes your plants, improves soil health, and helps retain moisture.

Composting isn't just good for your garden; it's good for the environment too. It reduces the amount of organic waste going to landfills, which in turn cuts down on methane emissions – a potent greenhouse gas. So, by composting, you're giving your plants a boost and helping the planet at the same time!

Why Does It Matter?

Did you know that in the U.S., food scraps and yard trimmings make up a whopping 30% of what we throw away [US EPA]? Composting these materials isn't just good for decluttering your trash can, it's a fantastic way to help the environment! Compost turns these discards into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, reducing landfill waste and methane emissions. Plus, it helps your plants thrive – a win-win for you and the planet! Why not join the millions of people who are already composting and reap the rewards? Composting also creates a locally produced commodity, creates twice as many jobs as landfilling and four times of those from incineration, and it replaces the use of petroleum-based fertilizer.

Do your part for the planet, one peel at a time!

• We added a Community Food Waste container to our South Recycling Drop-Off Center! This is a fantastic opportunity to keep food scraps out of landfills and turn them into something amazing – nutrient-rich compost!
• Dropping off your food scraps is easy and convenient. Just visit the South Drop-Off Center Friday through Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Together, we can make a real difference for our environment.

Let's waste less and grow more!

Collection Guidelines

• Scrape it - Scrape leftover food scraps (fruits, veggies, coffee grounds) into your food waste scrap container.
• Collect it - Place food scraps in your scrap container, lined with your compostable bag to prevent odors and leaks. The City will provide one 5-gallon bucket, one indoor kitchen scraps container, and a small quantity of compostable bags.
• Drop it off - Head to our South Recycling Drop-Off Center during operating hours (Friday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM).
• Unload it - Enter the provided code (code will be provided after registration) into the keypad on the food waste container to deposit your food scrap.
• Feel good! You've diverted food waste from landfills and contributed to a greener community.

The food waste container will be inspected for excessive contamination. If food waste containers are found to have excessive contamination, the program may be suspended. Continued contamination may result in removal of the program.

Acceptable Waste for Composting