Organics is a term used to describe the material that can be composted into a soil-like product. It includes yard waste, food scraps and food-soiled paper. Want a quick overview of our program? View our new Organics video online.
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Cart Sizes and Rates. The City offers two cart sizes for organics: 95-gallon for those who generate larger amounts of yard waste and food waste; and 35-gallon for those who have little to no yard waste but want to compost food waste. The rate is $7.72 per month for either size.
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Organics Customers Get Kitchen Scrap Pails
During the month of July, the City delivered countertop pails to existing organics customers to help them separate food scraps.
One pail per customer. Each organics customer received only one pail. Additional pails are not available free or for purchase. Many variations of kitchen scrap pails are available online; just search for "compost kitchen pail." Be sure to check with your favorite local store, as well. Virtually any small bucket or crock will work.
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What We Now Take
- We can accept meat and dairy: Want more information? Visit our page about why we can accept meat, dairy and bones.
- Paper and Food Waste: Includes things like meat, cheese, dairy, seafood, bones, vegetables, eggshells, fruits, grains, and food-soiled paper. Food will be accepted cooked or raw.
- Printer-friendly list of items we accept: Download our flyer on what items are accepted.
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What We Can't Take
Please do not put the following items in your cart:
- No plastic of any kind, especially plastic bags.
- No liquids of any kind. Things like spoiled milk or juice should go down the drain.
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Printer-Friendly Flyer
Have a question not answered here? Download our flyer on frequently asked questions or email us.
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Controlling Odors and Pests
Have concerns about odors and/or pests? Download our printer-friendly flyer.
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Why a New Program?
Organics collection was one of the major strategies outlined in Olympia’s Toward Zero Waste Plan adopted by Council in 2007. This new program will enhance the existing every-other-week curbside yard waste collection to include food waste and food-soiled paper. It will provide residential customers another opportunity to further reduce their garbage, keep organic waste out of the landfill and help the environment. The material we collect will be composted by a local company, Silver Springs Organics.
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Have Questions about Public Works Programs or Services?
- Physical Address: 924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A
- Mailing Address: PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507
- Download printer-friendly (PDF) directions to our office
- Hours: M - F from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except City-recognized holidays
- Phone: (360) 753-8588
- TTY: (360) 753-8270
- Email: Public Works