Composting Guide
Welcome to our composting resource page! Here, you will find information on what materials can and cannot be safely composted in your home or community composting system. Proper composting is a key aspect of sustainability, as it helps to reduce waste and promotes the healthy growth of plants by providing them with nutrient-rich soil.
To assist you in your composting efforts, we have provided a downloadable guide that outlines the types of materials that can be added to your compost bin.
MATERIALS ACCEPTED:
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Food scraps: spoiled food, meat, poultry, seafood, shells, bones, eggs, fats, cooking oils, breads, grains, cereals, vegetables, dairy, coffee grounds, pasta, etc.
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Paper, wood, & plant-based products: compostable salad containers, paper towels, paper bags, napkins, paper coffee filters, paper cups, cotton, cut up pizza rounds, compostable food packaging, wooden toothpicks, popsicle sticks, and skewers
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Compostable plastic packaging, bags, plates, cups, and utensils—must be PLA or BPI Certified
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Butcher paper made using wax or oil (make sure it is not made with plastic) and chlorine-free parchment paper—The If You Care brand is one we suggest
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Natural fibers like wool and cotton (old socks and underwear) as long as they have no polyester or other plastic content: remove zippers, snaps, buttons, and elastic bands from pants and shirts—Important: if you do not cut them into tiny little fingernail sized squares, we will pull them out and put in trash.
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Compostable bags (we prefer BioBag bags) meeting BPI, ASTM 6400 or ASTM 6868 standards
MATERIALS NOT ACCEPTED:
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Single-use plastic bags or food containers not meeting ASTM 6400 & 6868 compostable standards—most yogurt containers
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Diapers or sanitary products with any plastic liners or plastic materials
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Dairy cartons
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Produce twist-ties
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Printed items, like junk mail, that are full color, glossy and/or coated