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What are organics? 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. Find out what items will be accepted.
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.
Learn about the commercial composting operation and why they can accept meat and dairy. Meat, dairy and bones can be accepted at a commercial composting operation, such as Silver Springs Organics, one of three facilities in Washington permitted to process post-consumer food waste. At Silver Springs, the piles (which are about 700 times larger than a backyard pile) are closely monitored for proper aeration, moisture and temperature. In fact, a commercial compost pile is held at approximately 180 degrees for 15 to 21 days, then turned and composted again for another 15 to 21 days. This process ensures effective decomposition of all material--even the fat and bones. The state-of-the-art facility uses bio-filters to control odors and manages excessive liquids with a filtration and reclamation pond.
This differs from backyard composting where the pile doesn't get as hot or for as long. Therefore, meat, dairy and bones decompose very slowly or sometimes not at all. This can result in odors, which can attract rodents.
When will it start? July 7, 2008, is the official start date. Beginning this day, customers can add all food waste and food-soiled paper with yard waste. Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Please stay tuned for more information to appear on our website or in your mailbox. We are excited to be able to provide the additional opportunity for customers to compost food waste and food-soiled paper. Olympia’s programs are well known for being efficient and innovative.
Customers to get Organics Program Starter Kits. During the month of July, the City will deliver countertop pails to all existing organics and yard waste customers. Along with the pail, we will provide education literature and new decals for both your organics cart and recycling cart.
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.
What kinds of food waste and food-soiled paper will be accepted? Click here for a printer-friendly version of the list.
- Food waste includes things like meat, cheese, dairy, seafood, bones, vegetables, eggshells, fruits, and grains. They will be accepted cooked or raw.
- Food-soiled paper includes things like pizza boxes, paper plates, paper cups and paper towels and napkins. To help fight odors, you may wrap your food in an old newspaper, compostable bag, or place in an old milk carton.
What kinds of things will not be accepted for composting?
- No plastic of any kind, especially plastic bags.
- No liquids of any kind. Things like spoiled milk or juice should go down the drain.
Need more information about Public Works Programs or Services? Contact the Public Works office.
- 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