Trash and Recycling

How compost collection different from backyard composting?  

The organic material collected through the composting collection program is sent to a commercial composting facility in Keenesburg, Colorado that is run by A1 Organics.  There, organic material is ground into fine pieces by an industrial grinder and then composted under controlled conditions. So materials that you wouldn't normally put in a backyard composting bin, such as meat, bones, processed foods and soiled paper such paper napkins, can break down quickly in a commercial composting facility and contribute to making quality compost.  After composting is complete A1 Organics performs a number of analytical tests on the compost, using an independent laboratory, to ensure the compost is a quality product before selling it.   Denver Recycles encourages you to continue backyard composting if you already do so. You can still compost lots of materials in your backyard while putting your meat, dairy, grains, and food-soiled paper products and excess yard waste out for pick-up in your green composting cart.

Why can't I bag my organic material in a plastic bag before putting it in my green cart?  

Plastic is a serious contaminant for composting.  All the compostable material is ground into fine pieces.  When plastic is in the mix, we get small pieces of plastic that are hard to remove.  Plastic is not compostable and will not break down in the composting process.

Are there special bags that are accepted in the composting collection program?  

Traditional plastic bags made from petroleum are not accepted in the program as they can't be composted.  However, there are compostable bags made from plants that are accepted in the program. These compostable bags are plastic-like and waterproof.  If you choose to buy compostable bags to use in your kitchen pail or green cart, please make sure you purchase the right bags.  All bags used for compostables other than plain paper bags, must carry the official BPI logo (Biodegradable Products Institute) and be green in color to be approved for use in the composting collection program. The BPI compostable logo lets the composting collector and processor know that products with this label have been tested to ensure that they will compost quickly, completely and safely and being green in color makes it easy for the composting collector and processor to distinguish them from non-compostable plastic bags.  (Of course, newspaper and paper bags are still an easy way to keep composting cleaner and to save you money.)  Compostable bags may be purchased online and at some Whole Foods stores and Safeway Stores.  Call your local store in advance to see if they carry them.  

We've noticed that our compost cart often gets picked up at 10 AM.  Does this mean we can start putting our compost cart out later than 7AM on our collection days?

The time a driver arrives to empty your compost cart depends on many factors and may not always be  the same. This is why it is important to set out your cart by no later than 7 AM, as it ensures your cart will be ready for collection no matter what time in the day the driver comes.

How often do the compost carts get emptied?

We provide weekly compost collection all year round, even during the winter months.  Compost collection is on the same day of the week as your recycling collection but weekly rather than every other week.

Where do I put my green cart on collection day?  

Your compost cart collection location is the same as your recycling cart collection location.  If you have curb set out, then place your cart in the street adjacent to the curb in front of your house. The front of the cart should face the street. If you have dumpster-side alley set out, then place your container by the dumpster at least four feet away from any trash containers, fences, cars or other obstructions. If you have even-side alley set out, place your container on the side of the alley with even numbered homes. If you have odd-side alley set out, place your container on the side of the alley with odd numbered homes. Make sure the front of the cart faces the alley. Do not block access to your neighbor’s driveway, gate, garage or property.  If you are still not sure where to set your compost cart on collection days, call 3-1-1 or email DenverRecycles@DenverGov.org

What is the green kitchen pail and how should I use it?  

The green kitchen pail is given to Denver Composts participants to collect food and food-soiled paper in the home.  It is designed so that you can easily scrape leftover food off of your plate into the pail.  The contents of the kitchen pail should be emptied into your green cart. Do not put your kitchen pail out for collection.

How can I keep my kitchen pail clean?  

Keeping your kitchen pail clean is simple.  Make sure you empty it into the green cart regularly.  You can line the pail with newspaper, a paper bag, or paper towel to help keep it clean.  The pail is dishwasher safe but only in the top drawer; hand washing is best.  You can also purchase small biodegradable, cornstarch bags  to line the pails.  Make sure you buy the right bags if you chose this option.  All bags used for compostables other than plain paper bags, must carry the official BPI logo (Biodegradable Products Institute) to be approved for use in the composting collection program.  The BPI compostable logo lets the composting collector and processor know that products with this label have been tested to ensure that they will compost quickly, completely and safely.  For more information visit BPI Products Institute.

What should I do with my compost cart if I am moving?

Composting carts are the property of the City and County of Denver.  Each cart is assigned by serial number to an exact address.  If you are moving, you must contact us to cancel compost service and return your cart.   Even if you are moving within Denver, please do not take your compost cart with you, as this is still a very small pilot program and there is a very good chance your new address will not be eligible for service. 

What about overflow/oversized materials?  

At this time we can only accept materials placed in the green cart, as the carts are emptied by an automated truck.  We are looking to establish a City drop-site for larger amounts and sizes of yard debris in the future.  For now, residents can find local companies operating yard debris drop sites by searching our Recycling Directory.  Just search by "Yard Waste/Debris".

Compostable material does have a smell. It’s the same stuff you put in your garbage, but now it’s just in a different container.  Odor is often caused by too much moisture. You can minimize odor by:

• Ensuring you set your cart out for every collection.
• Draining as much liquid as possible from organic material.
• Keeping your cart clean.
• Burying your food waste underneath some yard debris.
• Wrapping food scraps with newspaper or placing food scraps in an empty milk carton or paper bag before putting it in your cart.
• Freezing leftover meat and fish scraps and waiting to put them in your cart until your collection day.
• Waiting to clean out your refrigerator until the day before your collection day, rather than the day after. 

Won't the green cart attract bugs and rodents?  

The green composting cart is designed to be pest-resistant with thick plastic and a tight-fitting lid.  IF you make sure the lid is always closed, then your composting cart should be at least as secure as your regular trash container or bag.   If you have problems with bugs and rodents around your trash now, you may experience some problems.  If you do not currently have problems with pests, you should not experience any additional problems with your green cart. Compost can attract fruit flies. 

Who will clean the green cart?  

It is the resident’s responsibility to clean their cart.   A simple rinse with the hose every couple of weeks should keep the cart clean.  A great idea for cleaning your green cart is to use a broom to reach the bottom.  You may also help keep your cart clean by lining it with newspaper or brown paper yard waste bags.

Where should I store my green cart n between collection days?  

Your green cart must be stored on your property, out of public view as best as you can.  Do not store your green cart in the alley or on the street.  Store your green cart in your garage, breezeway, side of house, shed, or other location.  Carts continually left in alleys or on the street may be removed.

Who is eligible for the Composting Collection Pilot Program?  

Only 3,000 homes from targeted pilot areas of the city are eligible to participate in the program and are offered service on a first-come, first serve basis.  You can view maps  of the target pilot areas.  Some space is still available in certain target pilot areas.  Call 3-1-1 to find out if your address is eligible for the program or try signing up  online.

When will the program be available Citywide?  

At this time, the fee-based compost collection program is limited to households in the targeted test areas.  In the meantime, it does not hurt to let your elected officials know that you are interested in receiving composting service and seeing this program expand.  We will continue to offer other seasonal programs such as LeafDrop, Treecycle and free Learn to Compost classes to assist residents with composting.