Did you know that about 20% of what you throw away in your trash is food waste? And did you know that this food waste can easily be turned into compost? Food scraps, meat, and bones can ALL be processes at the Prince George's County Organics Facility to create compost, a soil-like product that is super nutritious for growing plants and vegetables. The Food Waste Collection Program is free for participants, and all participants will receive a 2-gallon scrap collection bin for their kitchen, a 6-gallon curbside bin for set out, and a courtesy set of 60 compostable bags from the City of Bowie Public Works Department. Food waste bins will be picked up on Wednesday mornings and a list of all acceptable items for pickup will be provided with your kit. The program currently has about 250 participants and is expanding to allow up to 300. This is first come, first served, so sign up today by clicking on the link below if you would like to participate!

FAQS about the Food Waste Composting Pilot

What are the benefits of food waste composting?

• Diverts waste from landfill: On average, participants collect about 6 pounds of food waste per week. With about 250 participants, the potential savings is up to 1,500 pounds of food scraps each week.
• Reduces greenhouse gases: Food scraps in landfills emit methane (a potent and harmful greenhouse gas) as they decompose. 
• Creates nutrient rich compost called LeafGro that is sold locally in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties.
• Saves money: It costs less money per ton to send food scraps to the Organics Composting Facility than to the landfill.

What bags can I use?
Only specified compostable bags can be used for food waste collection. Plastic grocery bags are not allowed for food waste collection.
 You will be provided with 60 compostable liners to use for starters. If you would like to purchase more or try a different brand; many retailers including Target, Walmart, Home Depot and Lowe’s carry these bags. For a complete list of accepted bags, please visit this link:
Where to Purchase Compostable Bags. 

How often will the curbside bin be emptied?

The curbside caddy will be emptied once a week on Wednesday. Please have your 6-gallon bin outside by 7 a.m. on Wednesday, but no earlier than 5 p.m. on Tuesday. To avoid odors, you should empty your kitchen caddy into your curbside bin every few days. 

I didn’t collect much food scraps this week. Should I still put my bin outside?

Yes! It's a good habit to put your bin out weekly no matter how big or small your collection is that week. If you'd like, though, you may wait until the following week. 

Will my bin smell or attract pests?

The curbside bins are equipped with a lock to keep pests out and eliminate odors. To avoid a strong odor, add a few paper products on the bottom of the bin to absorb moisture or coffee grounds to neutralize odors. Be sure to place all waste materials in compostable bags and routinely empty kitchen caddy every few days. 
 

Where does our collected food waste go?

Collected food waste will be taken to the Prince George's County Organics Composting Facility, which is expanding! Once completed, the expanded facility will be the largest yard trim and food waste composter on the East Coast. The County’s Organics Composting Facility is the only one in the State to accept residential, commercial and institutional food scraps and is the first in the County to pilot a food scrap composting program using the GORE® technology. The Facility produces a nutrient-rich soil compost product known as LeafGro and LeafGro GOLD that eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, adds nutrients back into the soil, increases root uptake and absorption in plants. It is sold commercially in bulk.