Curbside Food Scrap Collection is in full swing

This new voluntary program will divert organic materials, that are not waste, out of our landfill and help reduce harmful greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. According to the EPA, nearly 24% of trash that is collected contains food scraps that can be composted.

How to Register for Curbside Food Scrap Collection

Interested in registering your household for the Curbside Food Scrap Collection Program?

If your household currently receives curbside trash, recycling, and yard waste collection within the City of College Park, then you are eligible to participate in the new program; residential collections only.

Residents can sign up on a rolling basis. Read on and learn how to sign-up!

Food scraps are collected each Tuesday for city residents who opt-in.
No fee for collection, but residents must purchase a cost-share city-supplied container. Choose from a 12-gallon wheeled cart ($13.00), or a 5-gallon bucket ($9.00). Participants can also choose to purchase an optional small kitchen pail ($5.00) to store food scraps inside their homes.
Participants of the drop-off program can continue to use their city-supplied buckets (must already have a bucket). No personal containers are allowed.
Use compostable or paper bags before placing in the collection container. No plastic bags allowed.
A contractor is providing the collection service, we recommend placing your container out before 6:00 a.m. or the night before your scheduled pick-up to avoid a missed collection.
Your container should be directly in front of your house, and if possible at the end of the driveway or walkway, so it’s clearly visible from the street. No alley collections.

The City of College Park’s Department of Public Works coordinates curbside food scrap collection with the Contractor, Compost Crew. Households can register by filling out the form in the link below.

Purchase and pick up containers at the Department of Public Works, 9217 51st Avenue, College Park, MD 20740 - Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

May sign up at any time, and may cancel at any time.
Questions: publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov; 240-487-3590

Curbside Food Scrap Collection FAQ's

Why should I participate in the Curbside Food Scrap Collection Program?
Collecting food scraps, and food-soiled paper products will help keep organic materials out of the landfill, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect our environment and help the City reach its sustainability goals. Composting food scraps also creates a nutrient-rich soil amendment that improves soil health.
What types of food scraps can be diverted?
A variety of materials can be composted, including spoiled food, paper plates, napkins, paper towels and food soiled pizza boxes. See the acceptable list below.
Can cooking grease and oil be diverted?
No. Fats, oils, and leftover grease are not accepted in the food scrap diversion program. These items can be recycled at the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Acceptance Site located at the Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill, 11611 White House Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. The facility is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
How can I participate in the Curbside Food Scrap Collection Program?
This is a voluntary program with no fee for collection service, but it does have a charge for container(s) – resident pays 50%. City residents must register online to opt-in. Participants will need to choose what type of container they would prefer to use for curbside collection, either a larger 12-gallon wheeled cart, or a 5-gallon bucket with lid. Residents can also choose an optional kitchen countertop pail.
How do I divert my food scraps for Curbside Food Scrap Collection?
Participants should source separate food scraps or leftovers from other waste and place them in the kitchen pail. When full, empty the contents of kitchen pail into the larger outside collection container. To keep your container clean, you can use a compostable bag, or paper bag. Place collection container at the curb either the night before or by 6 a.m. on Tuesdays. Please ensure your collection container is visible and accessible from the street (no alley collections). A contractor is performing the collection.
What happens to my food scraps once they are collected?
Food scraps are transported to the Prince George’s County Organics Composting Facility for processing. The food scraps will be managed to create a soil amendment product that can be used in various garden projects.
How is the Curbside Food Scrap Collection Program different from backyard composting?
This program accepts additional types of food scraps that are not generally recommended or suitable for backyard composting. However, residents who currently compost at home are still encouraged to do so.
How do I control odors?
You can prevent odors by regularly cleaning all containers after each collection. Sprinkling baking soda in the container may also help control odors. Participants can also place their “wet” materials in the freezer before placing in the exterior cart or bucket prior to collection day.
Compostable bags. The contractor will leave one compostable bag each week with your collection container. If you need additional bags, you can purchase
compostable bags at some local retailers, but there are more sizes and availability online through retailers such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Walgreens, to name a few. Make sure they are labeled compostable - not biodegradable.

Accepted

Not Accepted

Fruits and vegetables
Dairy products - yogurt, butter, cheese
Bread, pasta, grains (no raw dough)
Meat (including bones) and Seafood (including shells)
Eggs & Egg shells
Leftovers and spoiled food
Tea bags – Loose Tea
Coffee grounds, filters (no “Keurig style” cups)
Paper towels, napkins - kitchen only
Paper plates – Only uncoated or compostable
Food-soiled newspaper; Pizza boxes – clean or “greasy”; Corrugated fruit & vegetable boxes; Paper bags (uncoated) with food scraps; Paper ice cream containers

Plastic bags, wrappers or film
Styrofoam containers
Plastic jugs or bottles
Aluminum or steel cans, utensils, pans, or foil
Plastic utensils
Grease or fats
Facial or toilet tissue
Diapers or pet waste
Ash from wood or charcoal
Wax

Getting Started

Not sure how to get started? Food scrap composting is very easy.

Separate the accepted food scrap items from other trash and place in either a compostable bag (available at the Department of Public Works for free) or in a container with a closed lid (for example - empty coffee containers with sealing lids are great for this).
Once it gets full, bring the food scraps to the designated drop-off area at Davis Hall or the Old Town Playground and Community Garden.

Collect your food scraps and bring them to:

The Department of Public Works
9217 51st Avenue - 24/7

Old Town Playground & Community Garden
7504 Columbia Avenue - 24/7

NO PLASTIC BAGS

Questions?

Contact the Department of Public Works.

Commercial food scraps are not accepted. Businesses should contact a local waste hauler who provide this service.

Reduces household trash. Food scraps are a large part of what people throw away (the EPA estimates 24%).
Reduces greenhouse gases. Diverting food scraps which would otherwise end up in a landfill, reduces the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Creates a useful product. Compost can be used as a natural soil additive on lawns and in gardens. Composting food scraps also helps the environment by improving soil structure.
Saves money. Removing food scraps from trash reduces fees charged at the landfill, and money spent on disposal. The cost for organic disposal is 36% less than the landfill rate.
Creates local jobs and helps the economy. Food scraps are processed locally at the Prince George’s County Organics Compost Facility, providing jobs and other local economic benefits.

FOOD SCRAPS

Food Scrap Collections - Curbside or Drop-Off!

Curbside Food Scrap Collection

Curbside Food Scrap Collection FAQ's

What IS ACCEPTED AND WHAT SHOULD BE KEPT OUT?

Accepted

Not Accepted

Drop-off your food scraps!

Getting Started

NO PLASTIC BAGS

Questions?

What are the Benefits?