City of Atlanta Drop-off Program

How will the program work?

Residents interested in participating will need to complete the brief orientation as part of the program sign-up form.

Once signed up, you'll receive an email with details on the specific locations in Atlanta where you can drop off your compostables.

Food scraps can be collected in a small container which we recommend storing on your countertop, under your kitchen sink, or in the refrigerator or freezer.

Click here to see what you will be able to compost through this program. If you line your container, be sure to use a BPI-Certified compostable bag. Please do not use a plastic bag.

Compostables will be collected from the stations and turned into nutrient-rich compost for local BIPOC farms and garden partners in Atlanta.

For questions about the program, email thedirt@compostnow.org or check out our FAQ.

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What are the benefits of compost?

Compost is a soil amendment that farmers and gardeners use to improve soil health.

When compost is added to the soil, it improves water retention, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and improves the nutrient value of our food.

How will this program impact Atlanta?

Growers depend on compost as a premium and expensive soil amendment for their operations, and this program will allow us to get them compost at no cost.

When we build local systems for cycling nutrients back into the soil we improve the climate resiliency of the community, and create equitable opportunities for our local growers who strengthen our food supply chains and provide access to fresh, healthy food.

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This program is made possible through a USDA Grant and the partnerships of the City of Atlanta, the Mayor's Office of Sustainability and Resilience, Community Farmers Markets, and CompostNow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to participate in this program?

This year-long pilot program is free to residents, and is funded through a USDA Grant in partnership with the City of Atlanta, the Mayor's Office of Sustainability and Resilience, Community Farmers Markets, and CompostNow.

Why should I participate in this program?

Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of waste your household send to landfills, which are the third largest source of methane emissions. In fact, about 28% of the average household waste stream in America is compostable! By composting your food scraps you are also recycling those unused scraps into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to grow more food. Learn more about the benefits of composting, here.

Where are the drop-off locations?

Once you sign up, you'll receive an email with the location and details for each drop-off location.

Where will the compost go?

The food scraps collected from the stations will be turn into nutrient-rich compost for local BIPOC farms and garden partners in Atlanta. Growers depend on compost as a premium and expensive soil amendment for their operations, and this program will allow us to get them compost at no cost.

City of Atlanta

Community Compost Pilot Program

The City of Atlanta Community Compost Program is a free drop-off program open to residents of Atlanta, Georgia.

How will the program work?

How will this program impact Atlanta?

This program is made possible through a USDA Grant and the partnerships of the City of Atlanta, the Mayor's Office of Sustainability and Resilience, Community Farmers Markets, and CompostNow.

Frequently Asked Questions