If you are like me, it was exciting news to hear that composting is now available at no extra cost in Central Park! This news is long awaited after the debacle of promising free composting and recycling to Denver to reduce trash waste, while enacting their highly controversial “pay as you throw” policy back in January of 2023. Denver finally accelerated its citywide compost rollout, and Central Park is part of the latest expansion. This initiative is a big step towards Denver’s goal of diverting 50% of all waste from landfills by 2027.
Here’s what you need to know about Denver’s free composting:
Getting Started
If you live in Central Park, or anywhere in Denver for that matter, and don’t already have a compost cart, the easiest way to order is to login to your Denver Utilities Online account, or by calling 311. Carts are delivered on a rolling basis based on when they receive your request. Not into composting? Don’t worry, you won’t receive a cart unless they receive a cart selection, however there is no discount for opting out.
Once you have your cart, here is the link for the City’s Approved Compostable Bags. Remember, never bag your recyclables!
What Can You Compost?
Denver’s composting guidelines are straightforward. You can compost:
- All food scraps (including produce, bread, cheese, eggshells, bones, and meat)
- Yard debris (weeds, grass clippings, leaves, and small tree branches)
Here is a handy pamphlet for both composting and recycling!
It’s important to note that Denver no longer accepts paper products or items labeled as “compostable” (such as cups or plates) in compost bins. As of now, this means no paper towels either.
Have some plywood and not sure if you can compost it? The city has a search tool called Waste Directory. (Spoiler alert: Plywood cannot be composted). You can also download the Denver Trash and Recycling App, because even these days your trash has an app!
Just remember that if contamination is found in your cart it will not be collected, and misused carts may be removed.
Collection Schedule
Once you receive your compost cart, collection will occur weekly, on the same day as your trash pickup. The city asks that you make sure you place your carts 2 feet away from each other so they can pick up the bins easily!
Happy Composting Central Park!
