Food Waste FAQ
WHY CAN'T I RECYCLE FOOD WASTE?
We only accept plant material in our yard waste program. If you can grow it in a garden, it can go in the bin. Fruit and vegetable peels and trimmings are acceptable. Prepared food, pizza boxes and other packaging are not.
Cabbage = YES Cole slaw = NO
Tomatoes = YES Lasagna = NO
In 2012, Pierce County studied the impacts of adding food waste to our system. The study included extensive public outreach; and feedback from residents influenced the decision to keep food waste out of the collection program.
The yard waste collected and composted in Pierce County becomes a high-quality, organic soil amendment called Cascade Compost which is located in Puyallup, WA. Compost and potting soil is available to purchase in bags and in bulk.
If you want to learn how to compost your food scraps at home, Pierce County has environmental educators that teach free classes throughout the year.