Why it matters
When organic waste ends up in a landfill, it decomposes without oxygen and produces methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas more that is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide over its lifetime.
Composting keeps these organics out of landfills and returns valuable nutrients to the soil, reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving Louisville and Boulder County's overall soil health.
What we're doing
We partner with Republic Services and A1 Organics to offer bi-weekly commercial compost pickup for businesses that opt in. Compost service alternates with recycling to reduce truck traffic and costs.
What to compost:
- Food scraps: produce, bread, bones, cheese, meat, eggshells, coffee grounds
- Be sure to remove stickers, rubber bands, twist ties, filters, and tea bags
- Yard waste: leaves, twigs, grass, flowers, branches
- Keep out rocks and dirt!
- CMA-certified three-gallon compostable bags: if you do not use these, all items must be placed unbagged and loose in your compost cart
- Anything larger or unverified is no longer accepted
What NOT to compost:
- Paper products: towels, napkins, pizza boxes, coffee filters
- Compostable service ware: utensils, plates, straws (even if labeled “compostable”)
- Large paper bags or Kraft bags
- Glass, metal, and plastic
Get involved
- Double check accepted items: Review the full list of what goes in and what stays out.
- Prepare your compost: Remove produce stickers, rubber bands, and twist ties.
- Train your staff: Make sure everyone knows the updated rules to keep our compost stream clean and efficient.