The items listed below are materials typically accepted and not accepted in kitchen scraps collection programs.  Please contact your service provider for specific information.

Accepted Materials

  • Fruit & vegetable scraps
  • Food leftovers, plate scrapings
  • Meat, fish, giblets & bones
  • Dairy products, butter, mayonnaise
  • Eggshells and seafood shells
  • Bread, cereal, grains
  • Pasta, pizza
  • Baked goods, candies
  • Soiled paper towels & tissues
  • Soiled paper food packaging
  • Soiled newsprint
  • Used paper cups & plates
  • Butcher and parchment papers
  • Flour & sugar bags
  • Coffee filters & grounds
  • Paper tea bags & leaves
  • Solidified fats & grease
  • Baking ingredients, herbs, spices
  • Houseplants, cut & dried flowers
  • Nuts, pits, seeds & shells
  • Wooden stir sticks & chop sticks

Not Accepted

  • Plastic Bags (including biodegradable)
  • Yard & garden waste
  • Milk, cream and ice cream cartons
  • Milk alternative cartons & tetra packs
  • Plastic containers & cutlery (including compostable plastics)
  • Plastic wrap, Styrofoam
  • Plastic tea bags
  • Cereal & cracker box liners
  • Waxed paper & waxed cardboard (excepted when used to contain spoiled produce)
  • Chip & cookie bags
  • Pet food bags & other lined bags
  • Make-up remover pads, cotton swabs & balls
  • Dental floss, rubber bands
  • Bandages & gauze
  • Soiled diapers, baby wipes
  • Sanitary hygiene products, condoms
  • Dryer sheets & lint
  • Cigarettes & butts
  • Vacuum contents & bags
  • Pet feces or litter
  • Hair

Helpful Tips

  • Learn about compostable bags and which ones are certified compostable.
  • Use old newspaper to wrap wet food waste.
  • Line your kitchen container with a newspaper liner.
  • Use paper towels to wipe fat and grease off cookware. Do not pour fat and grease down the drain.
  • Learn ways to reduce the chance of wildlife being attracted to your food waste.
  • Continue to use your backyard compost bin.