Composting

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NEW FOOD SCRAP DROP-OFF PILOT PROGRAM!

Residents can now take their food scraps to designated drop sites for FREE!  

Please sign-up to participate, doing so will also give you the code to unlock the carts.  

 

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INITIAL DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

This is a pilot project for 6 months to test logistics of a new program, and funding is limited.  If the program is successful, we could then seek additional funding and consider expanding the program to new drop sites.  

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TIPS TO GET STARTED

The video recording of the compost workshop training from 1/25/22 is available for viewing.  

Presentation Slides from the workshop

Printable Flyer

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Why Is Composting Important?

Organic material decomposes in landfills without oxygen and releases harmful methane, a potent gas more than 20 times effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Landfills make up 17% of the United States' methane emissions.  Whereas a compost pile decomposes aerobically – with oxygen – producing mainly carbon dioxide.  By composting we can substantially reduce harmful emissions and help mitigate climate change.

Logistics

This pilot program will help achieve three goals identified in the City's 2021 Climate Action Plan!

The pilot will test options during the first six months with the goal of discovering the optimum program logistics for success.  If the program is successful during the pilot period, it could then potentially expand to become a permanent program and to include more drop-off locations.  

Partners

The project is made possible by a generous grant donation from SCDHEC to pilot our first composting program.  
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Special thanks to Smart Recycling, our contracted hauler, who is being flexible and helping us test options!  

Share Our Program

You can help by sharing information about the program with your friends and family. Below are a few social media ads you may share and feel free to share our webpage! 

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Katie at mckaink@charleston-sc.gov or at 843-724-3789.

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See Collection Data and Follow Pilot Program Updates

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram

  1. Why are the food scrap carts locked and what is the lock code?
  2. Should I use a compostable liner bag in my bin or pour food scraps into cart loosely?
  3. Is there a difference between biodegradable and compostable?
  4. I live in the region but not in the official City of Charleston limits, may I participate too?
  5. Can I add yard debris to the food scrap carts?
  6. Where can I report a maintenance concern or program issue?
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Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as food scraps, into a valuable soil amendment. 

The resulting decomposed matter, which looks like dark fertile garden soil, is called compost. This material is rich in nutrients and can be used as a natural fertilizer in gardening, agriculture, landscaping, and more. 

COMPOSTING BENEFITS

Cuts down on trash and expenses. Charlestonians throw away over 15,000 tons of food scraps each year, making up 1/4 of the city's collected garbage. Composting saves space and taxpayer money needed for disposal in landfills.

Combats climate change. Food waste recycling will help meet 3 Charleston Climate Action Plan goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and protecting our air and water from pollution to fight climate change.

Protects against flooding. Compost nourishes our soil for healthier parks and gardens and increases stormwater absorption capacity to help reduce flooding. 

Saves plants and animals.  Compost reduces the need for expensive and polluting chemical fertilizers, makes plants healthier, and can be implemented without harming wildlife or ecosystem health.

COMPLETE THE COMPOST LOOP

RESIDENTS CAN HELP complete the compost loop by joining the drop site program (for free) and purchasing Charleston’s own Bees Best Compost at local retailers.  

Visit beesbestcompost.com

Some compost generated from the program is kindly donated to nourish our City parks and gardens!

Compost donation use at Medway flower bed 18 4.20.22 2
Compost donation use at Medway flower bed 18 4.20.22
Compost donation CPC pickup for use at Medway flower bed 18 4.20.22 2

OTHER WAYS TO COMPOST HOME FOOD SCRAPS

COMPOST IN YOUR BACKYARD!  

Home composting pic from SCDHEC

If you have even a small yard, that could be plenty of space for your own compost pile or backyard bin!  Bonus, you can keep your nutrient rich compost at your home to benefit your own landscape!  


ENROLL IN A SERVICE THAT WILL PICK-UP YOUR FOOD WASTE (small fee applies)

Charleston is fortunate to have a private compost hauler servicing residential homes across the region that will pick up your food waste directly from your residence.  There is a fee for this private service, please contact the hauler directly for more information at (919) 526-0403 or https://www.compostnow.org/home/charleston. 

Compost Resources