Table of Contents
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GETTING SETUP / BIN QUESTIONS
How can I see if you service my home and the cost?
Simply enter your address into the green "Pricing" section of the residential pick-up page.
Which pick-up frequency do I need?
We have food scrap collection plans available for weekly or bi-weekly pick-ups, with variations depending on the town you reside in. Select a frequency that works best for you based on the quantity of food scraps you can generate and the space available for bin storage. If your selected frequency does not meet your needs, switching plans is an option. You can also receive reminders the night before a scheduled pick-up for weekly and every other week plans.
To mitigate the heat effects during summer months, consider good bin maintenance practices, such as rinsing the bin out, freezing food scraps, avoiding liquid waste in the bin, and using baking soda to deodorize. Learn more about our bin maintenance tips to keep your composting efforts effective.
Which curbside bin size should I choose?
Customers can opt for either a 13-gallon bin (dimensions: 13" w x 13" l x 27" h) with a locking lid and wheels, or a 4-gallon apartment bin (Dimensions: 10" w, 13.5" h) for curbside collection. Bins can be kept indoors or outdoors.
We suggest the 13-gallon bin because it accommodates more waste, is easily seen on curbside, and can handle fluctuations in compostable waste more efficiently. The 4-gallon option is suitable for those with limited space or stairs. If you're uncertain about which size to choose, you can start with the 4-gallon bin and later switch or add a second 13-gallon bin through your online account if necessary.
Do you sell kitchen countertop containers?
While we do not sell specific kitchen containers, numerous options are available on the market, and we have included some recommendations for your convenience.
What if I can't leave my bin curbside?
Curbside compost bins must be placed out for collection like regular trash. They should remain visible and not hidden behind other trash bins, trees, or snow. Bins left in locations such as porches or alongside garages cannot be collected.
For apartment complexes without a curb, select another spot easily accessible for our truck. Always check with your building management to get approval, and then contact us for verification.
If you have a lengthy driveway, we offer an extended service plan for an additional fee for collection down the driveway. Request details here.
Is there a weight limit for my bin?
The maximum acceptable weight for 13-gallon bins is 40 lbs. If consistently exceeding this weight, we recommend subscribing to a second bin service or switching to weekly pick-ups.
Can I put out two bins?
We have a service plan for a second 13-gallon bin. Please reach out to us via the residential contact form to add this service. For less frequent needs, consider using yard waste stickers and placing a yard waste bag alongside your bin, especially handy for events with lots of soiled products.
COMPOSTABLE LINERS
How can I order more compostable liners?
You can purchase certified compostable liners for your bin or countertop container through the shop section of your online account. If ordered by 3:00 PM the day before your next scheduled pickup, they will arrive during that pickup.
Do I have to use your compostable liners?
It's not mandatory to use our liners; however, if you choose alternatives, ensure they are certified compostable by BPI, TUV, or CMA, with the certification logo clearly displayed on each bag. You may find reputable brands such as BioBag, EcoSafe, Repurpose, and UNNI, available at stores including Crosby's, Target, Whole Foods, or Amazon. Take caution; sometimes, the product received may not match what's advertised. Always check for certification upon receiving your order.
Note that although there are various sizes for compostable liners, the ones we offer are designed to fit our bins perfectly.
You can also utilize doubled-up brown paper bags as liners during warmer weather.
What are compostable bags?
Compostable bags are produced from a corn polymer and have been tested to break down within a designated timeframe at industrial compost facilities. Keep in mind, biodegradable bags are not the same as compostable ones.
Can I put my food in plastic bags and then place it in the organics cart?
No! Plastic bags are considered contaminants. Your bin will not be emptied if it contains any plastic contamination.
COLLECTION QUESTIONS
What do I do if my scheduled pick-up was missed?
Log into your online account to view your pick-up status. If you were missed, please fill out the missed pick-up form in your account for review.
How do I get a replacement bin?
Each customer is responsible for their bin. If your bin is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to purchase a new Black Earth Compost bin, available through the Shop in your account. The new bin will be delivered during your next pickup once ordered.
What if I have more compost than will fit in my bin?
As mentioned, a service plan for an additional 13-gallon bin is available. Reach out to us via the residential contact form to add this service to your account. You can also consider yard waste stickers for occasional needs, filling a yard waste bag along with your bin, effective during events with a lot of used paper products.
How can I minimize odors in my food waste collection container?
Implementing some meticulous practices will help cut down on flies and odor. We advocate using a container liner, either a paper bag/newspaper or a certified compostable bag (not biodegradable). Rinse your containers with water after each use and ensure they dry completely. Composting used napkins, paper towels, and other soiled paper can help absorb extra moisture. Avoid adding liquids to your bin and try to squeeze excess moisture out of wet items. For indoor containers, using a carbon filter can trap odors. During the hotter months, freeze food waste before collection and consider placing baking soda at the bottom of your container for order absorption. Check out our detailed bin maintenance tips for further information.
Can I include yard waste and leaves in my barrel?
Most cities have separate services for picking up leaves and yard waste. Please check with your local authority. If they are unable to meet your requirements, we do offer yard waste collection. Simply purchase an orange sticker via your account store, affix it to a paper yard waste bag filled with yard debris (NO GRASS!), and position it next to your green bin for your scheduled pickup. Acceptable materials include leaves, small plants, and sticks under half an inch in diameter. Keep yard waste bags dry leading up to pickup day. For information regarding our sticker program, please click here.
How do I prevent compost from freezing to the bin in winter?
To avoid compost freezing in your outdoor bin, line it with a compostable bag or double bagged paper grocery bags. For those feeling creative, try wrapping your compost in a newspaper “burrito.”
Can I compost pizza boxes?
No. Soiled pizza boxes are accepted by most major recycling facilities. We suggest recycling them as the optimal solution. Although we previously accepted pizza boxes, our policy has since changed.
Can produce stickers be composted?
Produce stickers are not compostable and do not decompose in the compost pile. Ensure you remove stickers from produce before disposal. For a fun way to remember to remove stickers before disposal, check out our Produce Sticker Sheet Challenge.
For further details on Custom Garden Waste Biodegradable Bags, please contact us for expert answers.
When do I receive my finished compost?
In April, you will find a printable voucher in your online account for a cubic foot bag of compost, which can be redeemed at selected garden centers. If you prefer not to retain compost, we will donate your portion to Backyard Growers. Ensure the donate option is selected in your account. Annual vouchers expire on October 1st, and they cannot roll over to the following year. Also, customers starting from January 15th will receive a voucher the following year (except in Ipswich, Manchester, and Watertown, where compost is provided via the city).
MANAGING SERVICE PLAN
How do I change my billing cycle or service frequency?
Adjust your plan by reaching out to us through this form or via email.
Can I transfer my plan to my new address?
Absolutely! We can transfer service within the same town or to another serviceable location. Once you confirm your move date, complete our address change form within your online account. Simply log in, access the Account & Billing menu, and select Change Service Address. If the service plans differ in the new town, we will apply your remaining time from the current plan to a new plan.
How do I cancel my compost pick-up subscription?
Cancel your plan anytime via your online account. Log in, go to the Account & Billing menu, and select Cancel Service to access the cancellation page. Please note that we do not retrieve curbside bins. They are yours to continue using, recycle, or store for future service resumption. Watertown residents moving away from Watertown should leave their bin for the next residents. If you received a Watertown bin but didn't use it, you can bring it back to the Watertown DPW, provided it's new and unused.
ABOUT COMPOSTING
What are organics?
In compost terminology, organics refer to materials that were once living and decompose naturally to form compost (nutrient-rich soil). This should not be confused with organic foods that adhere to organic farming practices. A complete list of accepted organics for compost bins can be found on our composting guide page.
Why is composting more advantageous than using a garbage disposal?
Using garbage disposals is related to increased water and electricity consumption. Food scraps constitute organics, which escalate the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) at sewage treatment facilities, increasing treatment costs. By placing these organics in composting systems, we contribute to enhanced operational efficiency at treatment plants, saving costs while benefiting marine environments, and improving water quality in estuaries and waterways.
What are the benefits of compost?
Composting transforms potential waste into a resource that can be reused. This practice not only provides a valuable resource but also plays a crucial role in fostering a healthy local food system. Through Black Earth Compost, your composting efforts contribute to a larger, more resilient system. The resulting compost is available for personal use and also utilized by local farms growing produce sold in stores and restaurants, allowing nutrients to flow back to you in their most nutritious form. Beyond the big picture, the decomposers such as microbes, bacteria, and insects involved in composting are fascinating, representing a unique ecosystem.
Where do the collected food scraps go for composting?
Collected food scraps are processed at various facilities, either managed by us or in partnership with entities authorized by the MASS Department of Environmental Protection or the MASS Department of Agriculture to accept food waste. You can learn about our composting sites here.
Can my pet fall ill from compost?
Always keep compostcarts out of your pets' reach. The decomposition process of organic materials can encourage mold growth, and certain types may be harmful to pets.
What is biodegradable plastic and how does it differ from other types of plastic?
The term 'biodegradable' when used for marketing purposes includes a time component regarding the length it takes for the plastic to fully degrade. The Federal Trade Commission’s 'Green Guides' explain: 'It is misleading to make unqualified claims for items entering the solid waste stream if they do not decompose completely within one year after ordinary disposal.' Unqualified claims for items typically disposed of in landfills and recycling facilities are considered deceptive, as those locations do not provide conditions that support complete decomposition within a year.
Plastics are sourced from organic materials; their production begins at oil refineries, utilizing processes that separate heavy crude oil into different fractions used to create plastics.
Most petroleum-based plastics lack biodegradability. If they are not specifically designed to degrade, they could last indefinitely in the environment depending on type and disposal settings. Thus, processes like polymerisation and polycondensation are used to produce plastics, requiring specific catalysts for polymer formation.
What is the difference between biodegradable plastic and compostable plastic?
While all compostable plastics are biodegradable, not every biodegradable plastic can be composted. Biodegradable plastic may decompose in soil or water, whereas compostable plastic is designed to break down into compost within a specific timeframe under designated conditions, specifically at commercial composting facilities.
What are biobased plastics?
Manufactured from plant materials instead of oil or natural gas, biobased plastics might lead to the assumption they are biodegradable. However, biobased plastics can be structurally similar to petroleum-based plastics and share similar longevity in environments. Unlike traditional plastics, they may or may not be designed to be compostable.
Which organizations set standards for biodegradable and compostable plastics?
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) is responsible for defining standards, while the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces compliance on product labeling.
If a plastic product is labeled 'compostable,' can I add it to my home compost pile?
No. Unless specified otherwise on the label, compostable products should generally be directed to industrial composting facilities, as they provide optimal conditions for degradation unlike home compost systems.
What should I do if my community lacks composting pick-up programs? Should I recycle compostable plastics?
No. Mixing compostable plastics with regular recycling can disrupt the process, thus they should not be included in recycling streams unless specifically redirected by local policies. If there are no available programs, consult your local recycling provider for possible drop-off centers.
Should I leave plastic caps on bottles before recycling?
Until recent advancements in technology, consumers were advised to remove caps before recycling. Current guidance suggests leaving caps on, as new processes efficiently separate caps and bottles during recycling.
Can single-use, non-compostable plastic bags go in the recycling bin?
It's best to verify local regulations, as practices differ by location. Loose bags can hinder recycling operations; however, bundling them may allow for some acceptance at various facilities.
What is the purpose of plastic bag bans?
With pollution reduction as a priority, bans on single-use plastic bags are being initiated in many communities. These bans aim to limit the impact of lightweight plastics that don't decompose effectively and can entangle wildlife.
Although ban characteristics can vary, they often include mandates for replacement bags to be reusable or compostable, with specific recommendation on materials involved and requirements for retailers to charge fees to promote sustainable practices.
Didn't find your answer? Reach out to us through the link below for assistance.
For additional information, do visit Custom Trash Biodegradable Bags.
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