Green waste bins are a fundamental part of municipal efforts to divert organic material from landfills, preventing the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The material is processed at industrial facilities through composting to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment. This compost is beneficial for agriculture and gardening. However, the specific rules for what can be placed inside these bins vary significantly, making it necessary for residents to consult their local guidelines.
Acceptable Yard and Plant Material
Green waste bins traditionally accept fibrous and vegetative matter generated from outdoor maintenance. This nitrogen-rich “green” material balances the carbon-rich “brown” elements like dead leaves and small twigs during composting. Accepted items typically include grass clippings, fallen leaves, weeds, garden trimmings, and spent flowers.
Small branches and brush are generally accepted, but they must meet specific dimensional requirements to prevent damage to shredding equipment. Untreated wood scraps, such as wood chips and sawdust, are suitable additions. All yard waste must remain clean and free of contaminants like rocks, dirt, metal, or treated lumber.
Acceptable Food Scraps and Kitchen Organics
Modern green waste programs, often called organics recycling, include food scraps and other kitchen waste. This category includes virtually all fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and grains like bread, pasta, and rice. Soiled paper products are also welcome, such as greasy pizza boxes, paper towels, paper napkins, and coffee filters, since food residue prevents them from being recycled with clean paper.
The inclusion of meat, bones, and dairy products is a point of significant variation depending on the local facility’s processing technology. Industrial composting operations, which reach and maintain high temperatures (often exceeding 60°C), are capable of safely breaking down these materials, including cooked and raw meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products. These high temperatures are necessary to kill pathogens. Residents must confirm if their local program accepts these items, as some only permit plant-based food waste.
Common Contaminants to Avoid
Introducing non-organic or inappropriate items, known as contamination, can ruin the final batch of compost and damage processing machinery. The most frequent contaminant is plastic, particularly standard plastic bags, which do not decompose and must be removed from the organic stream. Even items labeled as “biodegradable” or “compostable” are often not accepted because they may require specialized conditions to break down that are not met by the local facility’s process.
Other strictly excluded materials include glass, metals, and Styrofoam, as these are non-organic. Liquids, cooking oils, and grease are restricted because they disrupt the composting balance and can cause operational issues. Pet waste, including feces and traditional cat litter, should not be placed in the bin due to the potential presence of pathogens.
Preparation and Collection Guidelines
Proper preparation ensures an efficient collection and composting process. Yard waste like branches and trimmings must be kept below specific dimensions (typically four inches in diameter and four feet in length) for safe processing. Some municipalities require large branches to be bundled with natural twine, while others prefer material to be loose.
For kitchen scraps, a liner is often recommended to manage odors, but only certified compostable bags or paper bags are permissible. Standard plastic bags are never allowed as they contaminate the final product. All material must fit completely inside the bin, and the lid must be fully closed to prevent spillage and ensure safe collection. Weight restrictions are enforced, with cart limits often set around 200 to 250 pounds.