Food scraps can be composted in backyard composting systems or collected by a subscription composting service (see options below). Contact specific company for fees and list of items accepted. 

Food waste should never be included in curbside recycling bins or in bins at recycling drop-off centers. Too much food waste in a recycle bin can cause an entire truckload of recyclables to be rejected and thrown away into the trash!

For more food savings and compost tips, see below.

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Save Your Food

The average household throws away one-quarter of the food they buy. That waste costs money and resources. Keep more food on your plate with these tips:

• Shop Smart: Plan meals, make a list, and don’t shop hungry.
• Store Smart: Learn which foods go in the fridge vs. countertop. Freeze extras like bread or chopped veggies.
• Eat Smart: Prep food for storage or meals after shopping, enjoy leftovers, and get creative with recipes before food spoils. “Ugly” produce tastes great too!
• Donate Unused Food: fresh produce, as well as frozen and shelf-stable foods, can be donated to local organizations. Learn more!

More tips: savethefood.org

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Compost What’s Left

Some food scraps are unavoidable. Composting keeps them out of the landfill and helps improve soil health.

Five easy steps to compost at home:

1. Set up a bin or space
   Choose a bin or outdoor spot about 3’x3’x3’.
2. Add materials in the right mix
   Use 2 parts “browns” (leaves, newspaper, small branches) to 1 part “greens” (food scraps, grass, coffee grounds).
3. Keep it damp
   Compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Add water if it’s too dry.
4. Turn the pile
   Mix it regularly to add oxygen and prevent odors.
5. Use your compost
   After about a year, if your compost smells like soil, it’s ready for your garden, lawn or houseplants. Sift out any large pieces and return them to the pile to keep composting.

More tips:

• Eco-Cycle Composting Guide
• Boulder County Backyard Composting

Local Info for Fort Collins

• The Fort Collins Nuisance Code allows compost piles at single- and two-family homes if they’re maintained to prevent pests (Sec. 20-43). Residents in other housing types may use odor-controlled compost bins (Sec. 12-122).
• Only compost from your own home and yard. You cannot take things that come from elsewhere.