|
Services
>
Yard
>
Yard & Food Waste Collection
>
Acceptable Yard & Food Waste
Food Waste Tips
Can you put the food waste into the cart loosely or do we bag it?
You can put food waste right in the cart, preferably between layers of yard waste. You can also use a paper bag or approved compostable bag, or wrap it up in newspaper. Do not put plastic bags in your cart. Yard waste will not be collected if plastic bags are found. Food waste is not allowed in your extra 32-gallon yard waste container.
What are compostable bags and where can I get them?
Compostable bags are made of material such as corn. Only compostable bags that are approved by the composting facility are accepted in the yard waste cart. These currently include BioBags, Al-Pack, Nature Friendly, and EcoSafe. BioBag is the product currently most available.
See the list of retail locations (PDF).
How can I store this food waste in my kitchen?
You can use any new or used container but many people prefer something with a tight fitting lid. See Kitchen Container Suggestions for examples. If you use a plastic bag, put the plastic bag into the garbage after you dump the food scraps into the yard waste cart. If you use a milk carton, do not put the milk carton into the cart. Rinse it out and reuse, or recycle it.
How do I get rid of fruit flies and odors?
Cover the food waste in the cart with yard waste, a sheet of newspaper, sawdust, or a layer of shredded paper. You can also put food waste into paper bags, approved compostable bags, or wrap it in newspaper. Some people keep food waste in the refrigerator or freezer until collection day.
Empty your kitchen container often and clean after every use. To reduce odors, rub vinegar on the inside of the lid and/or sprinkle baking soda in the container. You can line the bottom with a paper towel to ease cleanup.
Fruit flies are most active in the warmer months, and though they are pesky, they will not harm you or the waste. Vacuum cleaners are very effective for removing fruit flies.
For more information, please call the Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224.
How do I clean my cart?
If you need to clean your food/yard waste cart, please rinse and dump the liquid on a lawn, planting area, or gravel bed. Do not dump the liquid down a storm drain or in the street where the waste water will do down the storm drain.
Related links
Change Garbage Can Size
Yard Waste Collection Questions & Answers
Yard Waste Cart Question & Answers
|
