Residential services - Composting
Food Scraps In.
Good Stuff Out.
Turn everyday food scraps and organic waste into something useful with convenient curbside compost collection from Vail Valley Waste.
Curbside Composting made simple
A Small Bin. A Big Difference.
Our residential compost program makes it easy to keep food scraps and organic waste out of the landfill. We provide a convenient 5-gallon, animal-resistant container and collect it right from your curb every week.
Your compost is then taken to a composting facility where it is transformed into nutrient-rich compost, giving yesterday’s scraps a useful second life.
What Goes In?
Fruits & Vegetables
fruit and vegetable scraps, peels, cores and leftovers.
Meat, Fish & Poultry
meat, poultry and fish scraps can all go in your compost container..
Bread, Pasta & Grains
bread, pasta, rice and other grain-based foods.
Eggshells
eggshells and other accepted food scraps.
Coffee & Filters
coffee grounds and paper coffee filters.
Paper Products
uncoated, food-soiled paper such as paper towels and napkins & BPI-certified compostable products.
- Plastic • Glass • Metal • Styrofoam • Pet Waste • Diapers • Plastic-Coated Containers • Hazardous Waste
A Closer Look
Your Scraps Come Full Circle.
From your kitchen to healthy soil, our compost program turns everyday waste into a brighter, cleaner future for the Vail Valley.
1 Food Scraps
You put your food scraps and approved compostables in your VVW container.
2 Collection
We collect your compost curbside each week on your regular service day.
3 Composting
Your scraps are taken to a composting facility where they break down naturally into nutrient-rich compost.
4 Finished Compost
The result is high-quality compost that can be used to enrich soil.
5 Back to the Soil
Compost helps healthy plants and landscapes thrive and supports a more sustainable Vail Valley.
Less Waste Today. A Healthier Tomorrow
Why Compost?
Food scraps don't have to become landfill waste. Composting gives organic material another purpose, helping reduce waste while creating nutrient-rich compost that can be returned to the soil.
How It Works
1
Fill It
Place accepted food scraps and compostables in your 5-gallon container.
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2
Keep It Clean
Drain excess liquids and keep the lid securely closed to minimize odors and discourage wildlife.
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3
Put It Out
Place your container curbside by 8:00 a.m. on your regular trash day
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4
We'll Do the Rest
We'll collect your compost and deliver it for processing into nutrient-rich compost.
Do's & Dont's of Recycling
Hidden
What Can I Compost?
Food scraps including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, bread, pasta, rice, grains, eggshells and coffee grounds can go in your container, along with certain uncoated food-soiled paper products and certified compostable products.
When Is Compost Picked Up?
Compost is collected weekly on your regular trash service day. Place your container curbside by 8:00 a.m. and don't leave it outside overnight because of wildlife.
Even customers with biweekly trash service receive weekly compost collection.
What Container Do I Use?
VVW provides participants with a 5-gallon animal-resistant compost container. It is designed to discourage wildlife, but it isn't completely animal-proof, so store it indoors or in a secure area until collection day.
Can I Use Compostable Bags?
Yes. Bags are optional, but they can help keep your container cleaner and reduce odors.
Only use bags specifically certified as compostable, such as BPI-certified or ASTM D6400-compliant bags. Regular plastic and bags labeled only “biodegradable” should not be used.
What Happens If My Compost Is Contaminated?
Containers containing non-compostable materials may not be collected. If a container is skipped because of contamination, it will be serviced on the next scheduled compost pickup day. VVW does not offer off-route compost pickups.
How Do I Prevent Odors?
Drain excess liquid before adding food scraps, keep the lid closed, store your container somewhere cool and shaded when possible, and rinse it occasionally. Adding absorbent paper products can also help control moisture.
Is the Compost Container Animal-Proof?
No, the compost container provided is animalresistant but not fully animal-proof. If left outside, it may be accessed or damaged by wildlife. We recommend storing the container indoors or in a secure area and only placing it outside on your service day.
Current Pricing
Simple Curbside Composting
includes a 5-gallon compost container
and weekly collection.
$18 / month
- or -
$54 / quarter
Need a larger container? Contact us for a quote.
Not Sure If It Goes In?
Keeping contamination out helps turn your scraps into something useful. Check the compost guide before tossing something you're unsure about.
Still have questions? Contact us →
Related services
Trash Pickup
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Recycling
Keep recyclable materials out of the landfill with convenient curbside collection.
Seasonal Yard Waste
Give leaves, grass and other yard waste somewhere better to go.
Ready to Put Your Scraps to Work?
Join Vail Valley Waste's curbside compost program and turn everyday food waste into something better.
Ready to Put Your Scraps to Work?
Join Vail Valley Waste's curbside compost program and turn everyday food waste into something better.