At a glance
Most of the following are generally considered compostable, although each community that offers organic waste collection has its own rules. Animal products not suitable for backyard composting are often included in municipal collection programs.
Food Scraps
• Fruits • Vegetables • Grains • Pasta • Eggshells • Bread • Coffee grounds • Tea bags • Tea leaves • Baked goods
Wood and paper
• Popsicle sticks • Sawdust • Shredded paper • Toothpicks • Wooden chopsticks • Untreated wood • Food-soiled paper • Paper bags • Paper napkins • Paper towels• Paper plates • Paper cups• Paper containers and take-out boxes • Coffee filters • Newspaper (if not clean and dry enough to recycle) • Tissues • Microwavable popcorn bags
Yard waste
• Grass clippings • Flowers• Leaves • Plants • Tree roots• Small branches • Straw
The Monroe County Solid Waste District may expand its operations to collect more than trash and recycling from county residents.
The district is considering the possibility of composting and has set aside $100,000 for that purpose in its proposed budget for next year. But before deciding if it wants to get into the organic waste collection industry, the district has hired consultants to study the plan.
Last month, the district policy board approved spending up to $21,000 for Kessler Consulting Inc. to complete an organic waste recovery analysis.
The analysis will provide information on the amount of organic waste generated in Monroe County and an assessment of existing organic waste collection sites. It will also come with a recommendation if the district should pursue organic waste collection and if so in what capacity. Possibilities could be supporting or partnering operations already in place or starting its own operation, according to the contract.
The analysis should be completed in October.
"We don't have any preconceived notions of the study," said Tom McGlasson Jr., executive director of the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District.
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