Composting FAQ

What can I compost?

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Coffee grounds, filters, and paper tea bags
  • Bread and grains
  • Egg shells
  • Nutshells
  • Corncobs
  • Food-soiled paper towels and napkins
  • Shredded newspaper
  • Sawdust and wood shavings from untreated wood
  • Stale beans, flour, and spices
  • Cut or dried flowers
  • Houseplants and potting soil
  • Feathers

What can I NOT compost?

  • Meat or fish scraps
  • Cheese or dairy products
  • Fats, grease, oil, or oily foods
  • Cat or dog waste
  • Kitty litter
  • Colored or glossy paper
  • Sawdust made from pressure-treated plywood or lumber
  • Coal or charcoal ashes
  • Non-compostable materials like plastic, metals, or glass
  • Biodegradable or compostable plastics
  • Diseased or insect-infested houseplants and soil

Where do I drop off my compost?

The compost collection bin is located is located outside the main 14Y entrance and is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

How do I bring my food scraps to the Y? 

Please bring your acceptable food scraps in a plastic bag, paper bag, or other reusable container. To make this program more efficient, please empty your plastic bag or container into our compost bin.

How do I store my food scraps at home?

We suggest keeping your scraps in the freezer or refrigerator until drop off to avoid smells.  But there are other options, like using counter top bins that are designed to reduce odor and prevent fruit flies

It is up to you how frequently you drop off you compost. Compost drop-off is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

What if my compost bin attracts fruit flies?

If you find fruit flies in your kitchen, you can place a small jar or cup of white vinegar on your counter. Be sure to keep the jar covered, but poke a holes in the top. Alternatively consider putting the bin in the fridge or freezer.