Composting in Dedham just got easier!

You can purchase an at-home compost bin, known as the Earth Machine Compost Bin, through the Town at a reduced cost as a Dedham resident and you can subscribe for curbside food waste composting with Black Earth Compost (new preferred vendor). FREE FOOD WASTE STARTER KITS FROM BLACK EARTH AVAILABLE FOR NEW PARTICIPANTS! Keep reading to learn more!

What is Composting?

Composting is nature's recycling process where organic materials naturally break down through the action of oxygen, moisture, and beneficial bacteria. This transformation creates nutrient-rich compost, a dark, earthy material that enriches soil and supports healthy plant growth.

Why Compost? 

Composting will make your garden and lawn healthier and less dependent on chemicals, fertilizers, and watering. Composting can help you to save money on soil and fertilizers while eliminating yard waste pickup. It prevents organic matter from producing harmful methane gas in landfills and creates nutrient-rich compost that improves soil structure and helps plants grow healthier with less water and chemicals. It's also a fun, educational way to help the environment.

What Can I Compost? 

Almost everything in your kitchen and yard can be composted - food scraps including fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy, grains, baked goods, eggs, coffee grounds, tea bags, cooking oils, and nuts. Household items like natural wood products (toothpicks, chopsticks, sawdust), cotton balls, natural wine corks, pet food, plants, flowers, and hair or fur are also compostable. Additionally, you can compost food-soiled napkins and paper towels, along with any tableware that's certified compostable by BPI, CMA, or OK Compost organizations.

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