Reuse, find, thrift (or buy) a container to collect your kitchen scraps. It can stay on your countertop, under your sink or anywhere convenient for dropping in your food prep pits and peelings, spoiled food, used paper towels, and more. Keep all non-compostable items like plastic packaging, plastic produce stickers and tags, rubber bands and twist ties, out of your collection of organic materials.
You may choose to keep your container unlined or line it with newspaper, a paper bag, or a compostable bag. The Drop-off program offers 3 gallon and 13 gallon sized compostable bags for your convenience. Find them in the ice chest at the drop-off site or at our table at the Saturday Farmers Markets, April – October. The 13 gallon sized bags can comfortably line a 5 gallon bucket. The 3 gallon bags will line a 1-2 gallon countertop container. You may source additional BPI-certified compostable bags from local retailers and online. Just be sure each bag is individually labeled as “compostable” or we will not be able to tell it is okay and remove it as a contaminant.
The compostable bags can be secured with a small knot tied in the upper edge of the bag before putting it in your container.
Compostable “plastic” bags are designed to break down. When they get wet or damp from added scraps, it is best to assume the bags will leak. You’ll want to transport full bags in a rigid, waterproof container or sturdy plastic bag which can then be rinsed if need be.
If your kitchen compost collection is starting to smell before you are able to get it to the drop-off bins, consider storing it in a freezer.
If you are unsure if an item is compostable, leave it out, or check with us by emailing hburgcomposts [at] gmail.com
Harrisonburg Composts 