Food Waste
Food waste is collected and turned into compost and clean energy. Compost enriches soil, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and recycles nutrients.
The City of Boston offers free curbside food waste collection for Boston residents in buildings with 6 units or fewer. Learn more and join the waitlist! There are also 24/7 community food waste bins (Project Oscar) located throughout the City where all residents can drop off food waste. View locations and accepted items.
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General food waste questions? Contact 311 or 617-635-4500
Curbside Food Waste Collection questions? Contact 617-977-4547
Learn about Project Oscar food waste bins.
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Stay Connected
Food waste collection programs
Food waste collection programsWhere does it go?
Some of the food waste from Boston's curbside collection program is sent to an anaerobic digestor in Charlestown, where it is converted into biogas (used as energy) and digestate (fertilizer and more). The rest is sent to Brick Ends Farm where it is turned into nutrient-rich soil (compost).
Food waste from the Project Oscar food waste bins is sent to composting sites in Manchester, Groton, and Framingham. It is turned into nutrient-rich soil (compost) and sold to garden centers and farmers in New England.
Why Reduce Food Waste?
- Help slow climate change! When you throw food in the trash it goes to combustion facilities where the foods' carbon and nutrients are lost.
- Help control rodents! Both the City's curbside food waste bins and community Project Oscar bins are rodent-resistant. Removing food waste from the trash and placing it in our rodent-resistant containers helps mitigate rodent activity.
- Read this article to learn more about the benefits of composting.
How to Make Compost at Home
Make Compost at HomeIf you don’t have a backyard, you can still compost indoors:
The elements of a good compost pile include biodegradables, organic material, air, and moisture. For the best results, follow these compost instructions. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection also has information on composting.
Community Garden Compost Request
Compost made from Boston's leaf and yard waste can be provided to community gardens at no cost.
Cooking With Zero Waste
Cooking With Zero Waste
Use It Up Frittata
Learn how to reduce your food waste at home with this easy use it up frittata.
Cooking With Zero Waste
Use It Up Rice Fritters
Learn how to reduce your food waste at home with these crispy Use It Up Rice Fritters.
Cooking with Zero Waste
Use It Up Thai Curry
Learn how to reduce food waste at home with this delicious Use It Up Thai Curry.
Cooking With Zero Waste
Bread Freezing Tips
Learn how to reduce your food waste at home with these helpful tips.
Cooking With Zero Waste
Eat Me First Tip
Reduce the amount of forgotten food in your fridge with the “Eat Me First” tip.
Cooking With Zero Waste
Leftover Liquids Tip
Learn how to save leftover liquids with this helpful tip.
Cooking With Zero Waste
Lettuce Tips
Learn how to store and preserve lettuce to reduce food waste in your kitchen.
Cooking With Zero Waste
Smoothie Bag Tips
Learn how to save your leftover fruits and vegetables for delicious smoothies.
Cooking With Zero Waste
Stock Bag Tips
Learn how to get the most out of your food scraps by making homemade stock.
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General food waste questions? Contact 311 or 617-635-4500
Curbside Food Waste Collection questions? Contact 617-977-4547
Learn about Project Oscar food waste bins.
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Stay Connected
