Toolkits/Resources

The information on this web page is intended to offer viewers toolkits, information and ideas for starting a residential or commercial organics collection program. It is not a complete list and any suggestions on additional information should be sent to: admin@compostfoundation.org.

Most Organics Collection programs, whether they are residential or commercial, have a variety of educational pieces associated with their program. Topics range from preventing food waste to how to store organics for collection to information on compostable plastics. These programs often include brochures designed for distribution to program participants outlining acceptable/unacceptable materials, tips on how to collect and store the organic materials in the home, collection schedules, videos, and a variety of tools. Often the program has translated its program information into multiple languages so a broader audience can be reached with program details.

Below you will find a list links providing information on a variety of topics. These materials may be helpful to you in developing your programs.

Organics Collection Programs

City of Austin Texas Residential Organics Collection program

CalRecycles Organics Toolkit

Center for EcoTechnology Toolkit

Eureka Prevent Wasted Food

Georgia Residential Source Separated Organics Collection Toolkit, State of Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs and the Georgia Recycling Coalition

Hennepin County School recycling

City of Madison Wisconsin Residential Organics Collection Program

City of Minneapolis Minnesota Residential Organics Collection Program

Minnesota Residential Organics Programs

Minnesota Organic Terminology Guide and How to set up a drop-off program for Organics

City of San Francisco California Organics Program

City of Seattle Organics Collection Program – multiple program pieces

Food and Yard waste

Environment and Conservation

Business/Commercial

Apartment Dwellers

Apartment/Condo Owners

City of Wayzata, Minnesota Residential Organics Collection Program

US EPA Sustainable Management of Food

Sustainable-Management-Food

Reducing Food Waste at Home

Donating Food

Home Composting
(All links below are from reputable sources. However, the majority of backyard compost bins/piles do not reach hot enough temperatures (130+ degrees F/55+ degrees C) to kill weed seed or salmonella and ecoli, so caution should be used when composting materials such as dairy products, meats, manures, weeds with seeds or diseased plants.)

Creating the Best At-Home Composting System

Composting At Home – How To Make Your Own Compost Heap

A Homeowner's Guide to Composting

Backyard Composting

What can be Composted: 40+ items to compost or avoid

Guide To Composting At Home

Composting Guide for Beginners

Home Advisor

Cornell Small Scale Composting

University of Wisconsin-Madison: The Art and Science of Composting By Dr. Leslie Cooperband

COMSOL Blog

US Insurance Agents – An excellent collection of information on backyard composting.