Why? Did you know that over 51% of the trash that goes to landfills or incinerators is actually compostable? In a landfill, organic waste contributes to the generation of methane, and is also a waste of a valuable resource! Compost feeds the creatures in the soil that in turn make the nutrients available for veggies and flowers, perennial plants, and trees. Healthy, living soil also takes up carbon from the atmosphere.

In addition, composting food scraps helps reduce your household waste, on average up to 30%. Both you and the town save money on trash collection and disposal, and your trash bin will no longer smell of rotten food. Without the moisture in your trash, you can even line your waste bin with a paper bag instead of plastic, keeping many plastic bags from ending up in landfills or in incinerators. It’s a win-win, really.

Drop off your food waste at the Transfer Station! 

The Sherborn Recycling Committee encourages all households to participate in the collection of compostable food waste at the Sherborn Transfer Station. In 2016 the town of Sherborn diverted 36 tons of food waste from our trash stream. 

At the Transfer Station Sherborn residents can pick up a free kitchen food waste pail, complimentary biodegradable food waste bags, and 5-gallon bucket to collect a week's worth of food waste. When the pail or bucket is full, bring the food waste to the Transfer Station and empty it into the large, wheeled, green food waste bins across from the paper and commingled recyclables containers.

The Sherborn food waste program at the Transfer Station accepts a wide range of food waste, including meat, bones, dairy products, and biodegradable bags. Click here to see a full list of items to include and keep out of the food waste you bring to the Transfer Station.

Can I compost at home in my backyard? Yes! If you have a backyard, no matter how small, and access to some “browns” (leaves), you can have a compost bin. By composting in your own yard, you avoid unnecessary transportation of materials back and forth and you can use the nutrients for your lawn, perennials or veg garden. Here are some instructions on the basics of composting from EPA and the  Rodale Institute. The Recycling Committee sells an outside compost bin with a top lid and a bottom side door for $40.

Can I compost if I live in an apartment or in a condo?  For those without a yard, vermicomposting, or indoor composting with worms, is a space-saving option. You can make your own bin or purchase one through retailers. It is simple to do and makes for a fun science project for kids!