- 1Scrape plates into designated food waste container
- 2Remove all packaging, foil, and non-food items
- 3Drain excess liquids when possible
- 4Store in sealed containers to control odors
- 5Use compostable bags if required by collection program
- 6Follow local guidelines for meat and dairy inclusion
- Municipal curbside food waste collection
- Commercial composting facilities
- Industrial digesters (anaerobic digestion)
- Community composting programs with hot composting
- Restaurant and commercial food waste programs
Commercial composting facilities can handle cooked foods, meat, and dairy that home composters should avoid. Check if your municipality offers food waste collection that accepts all food scraps.
Plate scrapings represent 20-30% of household food waste. Composting instead of landfilling reduces methane emissions and creates nutrient-rich soil for agriculture and landscaping.
- Proper meal planning to reduce waste
- Store leftovers for later consumption
- Feed appropriate scraps to chickens or pigs (where permitted)
- Donate excess prepared food to food rescue programs
Accepted
- Cooked rice, pasta, and grains
- Bread and baked goods
- Leftover vegetables and fruits
- Small amounts of sauces and condiments
- Pizza crusts and sandwich leftovers
- Cooked meat and fish (commercial programs only)
Not Accepted
- Large amounts of liquid (drain first)
- Food in packaging or containers
- Heavily processed foods with preservatives (some programs)
- Food mixed with non-organics like plastic utensils
Estimated value: Reduces waste disposal costs by $75-150 per ton; prevents food waste worth $1,500+ annually per household
Can I compost meat and dairy in my backyard bin?
Not recommended for home composting. These attract pests and require high temperatures to break down safely. Use municipal programs that accept all food waste.
What about moldy or spoiled cooked food?
Perfect for composting! Mold is part of the natural decomposition process. Just remove any packaging first.
Should I separate different types of food waste?
Generally no. Most programs accept mixed food waste. Follow your local program's specific guidelines.