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1. Where do my food scraps go?

Food scraps are taken from your bin to a food scrap processing facility where they are combined with carbon and processed into a nutrient-dense compost. If we keep contamination low, this food waste will be diverted from the landfill and be used to make compost!

2. Why do some drop-offs only take vegetative scrap, and some take meat and dairy?

Most of our local compost programs and agencies are small, so they stick to vegetative scrap only. They operate piles on local farms or in community gardens. To keep odors and pests to a minimum, they are unable to take meat or dairy.

There are a few larger facilities that can take a wider range of food scraps including meat and dairy, but they are located a few hours outside Hamilton County.  

3. Can I compost coffee?

Spent coffee grounds are great for composting. Check with your hauler before you dump your latte or cappuccino in the compost since they may contain dairy. Some facilities may not be able to process dairy and meat products.

4. Can I compost tea?

Loose-leaf tea is great for composting! If you’re going to compost a tea bag, just make sure to rip off any staples or bags made from inorganic materials.

5. Is it better to recycle paper or compost it?

Recycling paper is the best option, but paper napkins can’t be recycled so composting them is a great option. Newspaper and shredded paper break down easily so it’s a welcome addition to compost.  

6. I can compost eggshells, what about eggs?

Check with your hauler. Eggs may attract unwanted pests and require extra carbon to process. 

Crushed eggshells don’t run the same risk and are a great additive.  

7. Can I compost dairy products?

Check with your hauler. Animal-based dairy products contain a lot of nitrogen and require extra carbon to break down. Plant-based products break down quickly and are generally accepted.  

8. What about compostable plastics?

Check with your hauler. Some haulers will not accept compostable plastic because they take additional processing to break down in a timely manner. The industry is still new and changing.

9. Can I compost pet fur?

Fur biodegrades quickly and contains plenty of nitrogen. It’s a welcome addition to the compost.

10. Can I compost pet waste?

Check with your hauler. Composting pet waste in a compost system is complicated. Herbivore waste, like from a rabbit is generally safe for your compost. Waste from an animal that consumes meat should be discarded in the trash.