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Compost Kitchen Waste

Category

Food

Impact

?

Cost

Medium

Did you know that over 51% of the waste that ends up in landfills is actually compostable? When organic waste is sent to a landfill, it generates methane—a harmful greenhouse gas—and wastes a valuable resource. Composting enriches the soil, providing nutrients for vegetables, flowers, perennial plants, and trees. Plus, healthy, living soil captures carbon from the atmosphere, contributing to a healthier planet.

Composting your food scraps can reduce your household waste by up to 50%, saving you money on trash collection while eliminating unpleasant odors from your trash bin. With less moisture in your waste, you can even line your bin with paper bags instead of plastic, keeping more plastic out of landfills. It’s truly a win-win!

Check out the STEPS TO TAKE tab above for more info and the DEEP DIVE tab above for Q&A and to find out how it works!

 

Steps to Take

  1. Compost at Home.
    1. Buy a compost bin or build your own. Read up on the basics of composting from EPA and the Rodale Institute. 
    2. Use a small bucket on your countertop or other covered container to collect your food scraps and empty them regularly into your yard compost bin (adding leaves/torn newspaper for correct balance of materials). 
  2. Compost with our Town Program. Bring your food scraps to one of the town’s composting stations (free for residents) or put out curbside for the residential pick-up option through Black Earth (fee/cost paid for by resident). Check out free composting locations here!

Deep Dive

Can I Compost at Home?

Absolutely! If you have a backyard—no matter how small—and access to “browns” like leaves, you can set up a compost bin. By composting in your own yard, you eliminate unnecessary transportation and can directly use the nutrient-rich compost for your lawn, perennial plants, or vegetable garden. Check out these resources on the basics of composting from the EPA and the Rodale Institute. 

Can I compost if I live in an apartment or in a condo?  For those without a yard, vermicomposting, or indoor composting with worms, is a space-saving option. You can make your own bin or purchase one that has added convenience features through retailers. It is simple to do and makes for a fun science project for kids! 

Can I use the Town Composting Pick Up? Yes, it is available to households. You can drop your food waste at one of the town’s composting stations near Dog Park and the Police Station (free for residents) or put out curbside for the residential pick-up option through Black Earth (fee/cost paid for by resident). Check out free composting locations here!

Testimonials

A long ago.
I did it.
Submitted by: George Allen

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