Do I have to participate if I already have a backyard compost bin at home?

Yes. Some types of food waste such as meat, bones, seafood, grains, snack foods, and citrus are not ideal for a backyard compost bin, but these items can be processed through the food waste recycling program. Any food waste that does not go in your backyard compost bin must be bagged and placed in the appropriate container.

Backyard composting is still encouraged as a great option to divert waste from the landfill, avoid the environmental impacts of transporting organic waste, and create a finished product that you can use in your garden. Click here to receive a coupon for a discounted backyard compost bin.

Show All Answers

1. What laws require food waste recycling?
2. What is food waste?
3. What is organic waste?
4. How do I separate my food waste?
5. Can I place my food waste directly in my yard waste container without bagging it?
6. Why do we need to bag food waste?
7. Do the bags have to be made of plastic?
8. What happens to the bag of food waste after it's collected?
9. Can I add compostable materials, like compostable plates, cups, utensils and napkins, to my yard waste bin?
10. Will separating food waste cause odor or pests?
11. Do I have to participate if I already have a backyard compost bin at home?
12. How does this program prevent methane emissions?
13. Can I put my new kitchen pail on the curb?
14. What happens if I don’t participate in the program?