The Compost Research and Education Foundation (CREF) was established in 1992 in order to seek funding for research to enhance the understanding of composting methods and applications for compost and composted products. In addition, the Foundation disseminates research results to appropriate stakeholders and the general public.

This toolkit provides an overview of organics recovery, with basic data and examples of outreach materials to aid in the development of a residential food scrap collection program that will be administered by a city and/or municipal waste management district already collecting yard debris.

Resources outlined on this page are examples to help prepare and develop a successful residential composting program– areas covered include source separating food scraps, collection bins, where to find compostable bags, examples of signage, questions to ask your local composting facility manager, educational flyers, brochures and instructional videos.

While elements of this package can be used in other sectors, such as commercial settings, schools, public venues and special events, the scope for this package is designed for residential food scraps.