Diverting easily biodegradable materials such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and food waste from the waste stream allows for the recycling of nutrients, typically through composting. There are many benefits to composting including reducing landfill methane emissions and continuing carbon sequestration. Compost can also be used to improve contaminated, compacted, and marginal soils. You can learn more about the benefits of composting here.

Yard Waste

Many of the municipalities offer pickup and drop off for yard wastes throughout the year. You can find details about the programs in your community on its individual page here.

Yard waste, including leaves, grass clippings, brush, and stumps, can be taken to Barnside Mulch and Compost for a fee. Details on costs and types of wastes accepted can be found here.

Food Scraps/Organics

In 2017, the EPA reported that over 30.6 million tons of food waste was sent to landfills. The USDA estimates that 30-40% of the food supply in the United states is wasted every year. Backyard composting is a great way to reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in your trash. Tips for starting your own backyard compost pile can be found here.

There are also collection services for food and other organic wastes. These companies typically will provide a 5-gallon bucket to your home and pickup on a regular schedule. Two companies that service in or near the Montgomery County area are Back to Earth Compost and Kona Compost.