Food Scraps (Organics) Drop-off

Organic material makes up 25% - 35% of what we throw away. When you participate in the food scraps drop-off program, your food waste and non-recyclable paper products will be recycled into compost at a commercial compost facility. Compost is a valuable resource that improves soil, reduces erosion, and decreases the need for fertilizers.

How to Get Started

Step 1 – Sign up online and pick up a free starter kit!

Starter kits include a 2 gallon kitchen pail and 10 compostable bags. Kits are available to Washington County residents only. Limit 1 kit per household. Must be picked up at the Environmental Center or the Northern Yard Waste Site.

Step 2 – Start collecting food scraps at home

See the Frequently Asked Questions for details on what is and is not accepted.
Collect food scraps in a compostable bag inside of your kitchen pail and tie off the bag when full. Be sure to review the list of accepted items.
If using a bag not provided by the county, check that it has the “compostable” logo from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) on the bag or the box.

Step 3 – Bring bagged food scraps to a drop-off site

Visit a county site during normal operating hours for self-serve drop-off. Replacement bags are available. To ensure there are enough bags for everyone, please only take the number of bags you drop off.