Compost Dropoff is Free for Co-op Shoppers

Thank you for your support and interest in composting. Here are some details on our drop-off program:

Please keep the composting area clean.

  • Kitchen scraps only* –  Click here for the list of what you can & can’t put in our bins.
  • Limited to 3 gal/ week/ household (we are happy to refer you to the best option for larger quantities)
  • Free for Urban Greens members and anyone receiving SNAP benefits.
  • Fun idea: Create your own spreadsheet to track how much you’re saving from the landfill!
  • Lastly, the bins are in front of the store all day everyday. If you need assistance, please ask a staff member for help.

*please remove plastic stickers from produce and staples from tea bags

You may use unbleached paper bags to drop off or empty your compost from a re-usable plastic bag. Here is an informative link on compostable containers.

Some of the benefits of composting and finished compost include:

  • Reduces Waste: 45 – 55% of the waste stream is organic matter.
  • Great for Plants, Lawns, and Gardens: Improves soil porosity, drainage, aeration, moisture retention even in sandy soils. Helps balance the pH.
  • Can extend growing season by moderating soil temperature.
  • Provides extra nutrients over a wide time window. Buffer against the absorption of chemicals.
  • Promotes healthy root zones and suppresses diseases associated with certain fungi. “Worm tea” can be used as a mild weed killer.
  • Conserves resources: Water – by soaking up water and slowly releasing (up to ten times its weight in water). Applied thickly as a top layer has benefits of mulch.
  • Conserves energy and fuel – by keeping material out of the landfill and from being transported. These are some of the heaviest wastes.
  • Saves You Money: You will save on your trash tax (Block Island pays by weight!). No more buying fertilizer.
  • Land reclamation projects, Erosion control, stormwater management.
  • Composting is fun and educational!

Fun facts: Hair and fur are compostable. Dryer lint is debatable due to plastics in our clothing.