Yard waste containers now accept food scraps. Below is a list of acceptable and unacceptable items.
ACCEPTABLE ITEMS:
Food Scraps
- Meat, fish, poultry, bones
- Dairy products (yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.)
- Vegetable and fruit trimmings
- Egg shells, bread, pasta and coffee grounds
- Table scraps
- Solid food leftovers
- Paper coffee filters and tea bags
- Greasy pizza delivery boxes
Food-Soiled Paper
- Uncoated paper plates and cups
- Uncoated paper food bags
- Pizza boxes
- Ice cream cartons
- Food-soiled paper towels and napkins
- Shredded paper
- Paper egg carton
- Paper grocery bags containing food scraps
Yard Waste
- Grass clippings and leaves
- Twigs, branches and roots from pruning
- Tree and shrub trimmings
- Non-noxious weeds
- Tree branches (under 4” long, 4” in diameter)
- Houseplants
UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS:
- Plastic-coated containers such as milk and ice cream containers
- Plastic coated paper such as plates, cups and bowls
- Plastic of any kind
- Grease or liquids
- Pet waste
Tips to keeping your yard waste cart odor and pest free:
Prevention is the best cure to avoiding odors, insects and rodents. If you begin experiencing difficulties with odors or pests, below are some tips for dealing with existing problems and preventing future problems.
- If at all possible, keep the cart in a shady area out of direct sunlight.
- DO use compostable bags. They are compostable and are marked with either “ASTM D-6400” or “compostable” on the label. Do NOT use bags labeled "biodegradable" or “made from recycled materials.”
- Line the bottom of your cart with newspaper.
- Sprinkle baking soda in your kitchen pail and cart.
- Spray the inside of your cart and cart lid with a vinegar/water solution.
- Rinse your kitchen pail after each use.
- Keep food scraps in a bucket or container in the fridge or freezer until close to collection day.
- Wrap food waste in paper, such as paper bags or newspaper.
