Residential Compost Program FAQs
1. What is the compost program? +
Our compost program allows residents to divert food scraps and organic waste from the landfill by placing them in a designated compost container for collecton.
2. Why should I participate? +
Composing helps reduce landfill waste, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and supports a more sustainable community.
3. Where can I find more information on what can or can’t be composted? +
For a complete and detailed list of acceptable and non-acceptable items, please visit the following resources:
• hGps://canitcompost.com/
• hGps://canicompost.com/
• Eco-Cycle (What Can I Compost?): hGps://www.ecocycle.org/a-zguide
If you’re ever unsure about an item, it’s best to place it in the trash to avoid contamination.
• hGps://canitcompost.com/
• hGps://canicompost.com/
• Eco-Cycle (What Can I Compost?): hGps://www.ecocycle.org/a-zguide
If you’re ever unsure about an item, it’s best to place it in the trash to avoid contamination.
4. When is compost picked up? +
Compost is collected on your regular trash service day. Please place your compost container at the curb by 8:00 a.m. and be mindful of wildlife—do not leave the container out overnight.
5. What if I have biweekly trash service, will compost still be collected every week? +
Yes. Compost will be collected weekly, even if your trash service is biweekly. We are not offering a biweekly compost service op=on, as more frequent collection helps maintain sanitation and minimize odors.
6. What kind of container can I use? +
Paricipants will be provided with a 5-gallon, animal-resistant compost container. We recommend using the provided container to ensure proper collecton and compartbility with our service.
7. Is the compost container animal-proof? +
No, the compost container provided is animalresistant but not fully animal-proof. If left outside, it may be accessed or damaged by wildlife. We recommend storing the container indoors or in a secure area and only placing it outside on your service day.
8. What if my compost container gets damaged? +
If your compost container becomes damaged due to normal use, we will replace it at no cost. However, excessive or repeated replacement requests may not be covered and could be subject to additional charges.
9. How much does the program cost? +
The program is offered at an affordable monthly or quarterly rate. $18/month or $54/quarter. Need a larger size? Contact us for a quote.
10. Do I need to use compostable bags? +
Compostable bags are optional but recommended to help keep your container clean and reduce odors.
11. Where can I buy compostable bags? +
Compostable bags are available at most grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers such as Amazon. Look for bags labeled “compostable.”
12. What kind of bags should I use? +
Only use bags labeled compostable (such as BPI-certified or ASTM D6400 compliant). Regular plastic or “biodegradable” bags are not accepted. Regular plastic bags are not compostable and will contaminate the load, which may result in your compost not being collected.
13. How do I prevent odors or pests? +
• Drain excess liquids before placing items in the container
• Keep the lid closed at all times
• Store the container in a cool, shaded area when possible
• Keep the lid closed at all times
• Store the container in a cool, shaded area when possible
14. What happens to the compost after collection? +
Collected material is taken to a composting facility where it is processed into nutrient-rich compost.
15. What happens if my compost is contaminated? +
If non-compostable items are found, the container may not be collected. If your compost is not collected due to contamination, it will be serviced on your next scheduled pickup day. Please note that off-route pickups are not available for compost.
16. Do you offer yard waste pickup? +
At this time, we are planning to offer seasonal yard waste pickup, with collection weeks in the spring and in the fall. We are still finalizing the details, and more information will be shared soon.
17. Will we have access to finished compost for personal use, or is this just a diversion program? +
Yes. Finished compost will be available for customer pickup at our yard, located at 464 Spring Creek in Gypsum, starting August 1. For next year, we are planning to have compost available in both the spring and fall. Customers will be responsible for picking up and transporting the compost themselves and must bring their own containers.