With three different ways to divert your food scraps, Arlington's food scrap diversion program is easy to join.

Download Frequently Asked Questions

1. Compost at Home

Backyard compost bins for sale, only $25 for Arlington residents, Sign up to purchase one at the Reuse & Recycling Center.

We have both styles in stock, Earth Machines and the New Age bins.

Our Composting in Arlington keeps you updated about classes and ideas for successful backyard composting

Check out this MA DEP Backyard composting instructional video

 

2. FEED FiDO drop off 

Check our Feed FiDO, our free drop off pilot program . FiDO has two publicly accessible locations, but before you can participate we ask that you read the User Agreement and Register, linked here.

FiDO (which stands for Food scrap Drop Off) accepts only vegetarian food scraps- please do not include animal products. Baked goods with butter and eggs are fine, as are egg shells, but do not include cheese, dairy or meat/seafood/bones.

UPDATE Jan. 2024: The top doors for these FiDO containers are heavy and do not stay open by themselves.

3. Curbi = Curbside Subscription Service

Curbi starter kits are available from DPW for free, while supplies last. Over 1100 already given away!

Who picks up the food scraps?

Three private companies are permitted to haul food scraps in Town: Black Earth Compost, Bootstrap Compost, and City Compost. We encourage residents to check out the different services and choose the one that best fits your schedule and budget. These four private subscription services come to your home weekly to collect your food scraps for making compost or making methane gas (anaerobic digestion).

 

How do I get my free starter kit?

Once you sign up with a private service, let the service company know if you would like some or all of the Arlington starter kit. The service provider will then send DPW your name and address and we will follow up with an email about your starter kit.

 
What's in the starter kit?

1. A 13 gallon green cart like in the image above. Note not all of the subscription services use this style container. No problem. You can always come and pick up the other two parts...
2. A sink-side food scrap collector. There are two styles to choose from.
3. A roll of BPI certified 3 gallon compostable bags to line your sink-side collector. Be sure to ask your service if they accept BPI certified compostable bags.

Any additional bags you purchase also need to be BPI certified, look for the logo before you buy, see below.

What else do we waste when we waste food?

Infographic used with permission from National Resources Defense Council