Food Scrap Drop Off Locations In Philadelphia

Put in your address below to find a compost drop off site near you. Click on the sites colored circle to find out the address, access information, site description, status, and contact.

Composting Resources

  • Microlearning

    • Introduction: Learn about the potential for reducing food waste in an urban setting using the four methods below. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

      Part 1 Vermicomposting: Learn how to create a compost bin using worms for a simple and odorless indoor method of composting. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Part 2 Bokashi: Learn how to compost meat, bones, and dairy indoors using the bokashi method. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Part 3 Cold Composting: Learn about cold composting aka lazy composting, a method requiring low-effort, water, and a shake once-a-week. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Part 4 Curbside Pickup: Learn about the process of having your food-scraps picked up and composted for you by a curbside composting pickup company. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    Full Length Videos

    • How to compost on a balcony: Learn how to make and maintain a compost bin out of a bucket on a balcony. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • How to store your food scraps in your kitchen?: This video teaches how to store your food scraps inside before taking them to be composted CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • How to compost in an apartment: Learn how to set up a worm compost bin in a small apartment without a balcony, to create an odorless composting system. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

  • 10 Tips for Composting in the City. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • Learn some tips and tricks of how to successfully compost in an urban environment.

    A Detroiter’s guide to urban composting. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • Brian Allnutt gives you his lessons from experience composting in Detroit.

    Enhancing urban waste sustainability through community-driven composting in São Paulo megacity. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • This study addresses the challenge of municipal solid waste management in urban environments, focusing on the case of São Paulo, Brazil. It introduces a community-based, decentralized composting initiative taking place in this city.

    Effectiveness of Urban composting and waste management in the San Francisco Bay Area. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • This research reviews municipal composting initiatives within the San Francisco Bay Area, evaluating effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability

  • Microlearning

    • DIY worm bin out of buckets: Learn and watch how to make a DIY vermicompost system out of a plastic bin. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • DIY bucket compost system: Steps to make a multi stacked bucket DIY vermicomposting bucket system. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • How to get started with vermicomposting?: Learn and watch how to make a DIY vermicompost system out of a plastic bin. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • How the DIY indoor worm composting bucket system works: Learn about an indoor multi stacked bucket DIY vermicomposting setup. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Worm castings: Learn what worm castings are and their benefits. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    Full Length Videos

    • How to start a DIY worm bin out of a plastic bins: Watch process of creating a DIY vermicomposting system out of a plastic bin and see one week's results. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Building a Stackable DIY Worm Farm for $30: Go over the step-by-step process of creating an affordable stacked bin vermicomposting system. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • How to make a DIY 3 tier worm bin system out of buckets: Go through the process of creating a DIY vermicomposting stacked bucket system. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • How a stacking worm bin works: A beginner friendly explanation of how a stacked-worm actually works. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • How to start a Vermihut compost tower: Go through the process of how to start up and maintain a store-bought compost tower. Specifically this video focuses on the Vermihut brand compost tower. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

  • Introduction to Vermicomposting- Just Grow Something: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

    • Karin Velez, a farmer and gardener, introduces vermicomposting and explains how worms can transform organic waste into compost.

    Vermicomposting: How worms can reduce our waste - Matthew Ross. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

    • Matthew Ross, a vermicompost educator, explains how vermicomposting uses worms to break down food waste to create compost.

    How to compost in the city using red worms: A guide to vermicomposting with Erika Backberg. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

    • Erika Backberg, an experienced vermicompost, provides a detailed guide on how to set up and maintain a vermicomposting bin.

  • DIY creating a worm composting using bins- Surfrider Foundation. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to create a DIY vermicomposting bin including visuals.

    DIY bucket vermicomposter. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • Learn how to make an affordable stacked bucket vermicomposter. Scroll to the bottom of the page to join the comment board to receive answers from Kris Bordessa, an award-winning National Geographic author, on any vermicomposting questions.

    Instructions to build a wood vermicomposter. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • If you're handy with tools and don’t want a typical plastic vermicomposter, this guide serves as a simple guide to creating a beautiful wood composter.

    Basics of Vermicomposting. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • Learn the necessary information about vermicomposting including how to use the castings, what kind of worms to use, and what worms eat

    Everything to know about vermicomposting. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • Learn answers to some of the most common questions regarding vermicomposting, including: When should I harvest my vermicompost?How do I harvest my vermicompost?, etc.

  • Microlearning

    • How to make a bokashi compost bin DIY?: Super easy DIY bokashi start up video with a reveal of the compost two weeks later. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Introduction to bokashi composting: Learn about the very basics of what bokashi is and what it produces. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Example of indoor bokashi composting: See an example of a stacked indoor bokashi bucket system. Experience what the day to day bokashi maintenance looks like including what can/can’t go in. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    Full Length Videos

    • Bokashi Compost Vlog: Learn the in’s and outs of how to compost indoors using a bokashi composter. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Creating a Bokashi Bucket: Learn what bokashi is, how to get started, what the products can be used for, and how to build a DIY bokashi bin. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Bokashi Composting in less than 5 MINUTES: Learn how to get started and use a pre-made bokashi composter. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

  • Fermenting Trash in the Kitchen using a bokashi composter- Ancestral Kitchen. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

    • Alison Kay & Andrea Huehnerhoff detail how bokashi works, talk about the bacterial inoculant that is used to ferment the food, and interview the US and Canada supplier that makes the two-bucket system that we both use.

  • Bokashi Compost Guide: CLICK HERE TO READ

    • Learn about what bokashi is and how to start composting using the bokashi method.

    Bokashi Bucket DIY: How To Build Your Bucket. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • Learn the steps and process of creating your own bokashi bucket and get answers to common questions including what lid to use, what can go in your bucket, etc.

    Bokashi composting: scraps to soil in weeks. Footer, Adam. Bokashi composting: scraps to soil in weeks. New society publishers, 2013.

    • To learn more read this full book complete including a step-by-step guide to the process, the history of bokashi, how to get started, how to make your own system, and the benefits of bokashi.

  • Microlearning

    • Everything to know about compost: Learn about the browns and greens that go into compost, how to monitor your pile, and how to maintain a healthy compost pile. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Basics of composting: Learn how to start composting at home by creating a composter out of a plastic bin. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Basics of composting: Learn how to start composting at home by creating a composter out of a trash can. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Heat from compost explained: A compost pile can get more than 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Learn about the science behind the heat created in a compost pile. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Specifics of how to monitor your compost to make sure it’s healthy: Learn about what to do when your compost starts to smell or is having trouble breaking down. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Different composting options: Learn the pros and cons of the four main composting methods: hot composting, cold composting, bokashi, and vermicomposting. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • DIY Compost Bin Progress: See the progress of a DIY compost bin over two weeks. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • How to use a compost tumbler: Learn how to use a compost tumbler and see what five months of progress can look like. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Science behind composting: Learn about the science of how food waste turns into compost, including the three phases of compost mesophilic, thermophilic, and maturation. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Why is composting good for the environment?: Learn why food waste thrown into the trash can be harmful for the environment and learn the benefits of compost for the environment. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

      Full Length Videos

    • How to make DIY composter in a trash can: Learn everything there is to know about creating a compost bin out of a trash can including a two-month result reveal. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • 6 Different Ways To Compost: No Matter Where You Live: Learn the pros and cons of hot composting, cold composting, compost tumblers, worm composting, bokashi composting, and direct burying. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Getting a compost pile started: A complete guide on what compost is, how to get started, and how to maintain your pile. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • Compost pile method: Learn how to select a suitable location for your compost pile, what materials to choose to make and add into the pile, how to maintain your compost pile, and most importantly learn tips for healthy compost. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • How to compost in a DIY compost bin: Learn how to make and maintain a DIY compost bin by drilling holes in a container. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    • How to use a composting tumbler: Learn how to use a compost tumbler and hear Melissa's honest opinion of her backyard tumbler. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

  • Composting Basics for the Beginner (The beginners Garden Podcast): CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

    • McSheehy, a self taught gardener, provides an easy to understand introduction to composting, explaining the basics beginners need to know to turn organic materials into useful compost.

    The Composters Podcast: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

    • Jayne Merner, wonder of Earth Care Farm, explores the science, technology, and practical side of producing high-quality compost through conversations with farmers, composters, and industry professionals.

    The Community Composting Podcast: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

    • Charlie Pioli, O-Town compost founder highlights the grassroots community composting movement. He focuses on how local composting can reduce waste while supporting communities, soil health, and zero-waste efforts.

  • What Does Compostable Mean? It's Not As Simple As You Think. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • Learn about the reality of bioplastics, biodegradability, and commercial composting.

    EPA Composting Site. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • Learn from the Environmental Protection Agency what composting is, how to do it, options for composting, what to put in your compost and what to avoid, vermicomposting, and the benefits of finished compost.

    Constructing a Compost Pile: Step by Step. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • In five easy steps, including visuals, learn how to construct a compost pile.

    The Science of Composting. Epstein, Eliot. The science of composting. CRC press, 2017.

    • A book if you're interested in a scientific overview of composting. It covers the biological, chemical, and physical processes involved in transforming organic waste into useful compost.

    Makan, Abdelhadi, et al. "Towards zero-waste cities: an integrated and circular approach to sustainable solid waste management." Sustainability 17.17 (2025): 7884.

    • Learn how cities can move toward zero waste by integrating circular economy principles, waste reduction, recycling, composting, and sustainable waste-management systems.

    Backyard Composting Basics: A Cheat sheet. CLICK HERE TO READ

    • Learn about the basics of composting including the science behind the process, what can be composted, the varying compost systems, and how to create and maintain a compost pile.

  • Time to Start Your Compost | Positively Philly. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

    Community Compost Network- Farm Philly. CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE

    • The Community Compost Network supports composting efforts at sites across the city. The sites include community gardens, farms, and schools. At these sites, residents can compost their food and yard waste. FarmPhilly provides 12′ x 4′ x 4’ compost bins, composting supplies, and educational materials and training.

  • Episode #25. Tim Bennett - Bennett Compost (Philly, PA) O-Town The Community Composting Podcast. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

    • Charlie Pioli, O-Town compost founder interviews Tim Bennett founder of Bennett Compost.

  • The Philadelphia Composting Story. CLICK HERE TO READ

    Community Compost Network- Farm Philly. CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE

    • The Community Compost Network supports composting efforts at sites across the city. The sites include community gardens, farms, and schools. At these sites, residents can compost their food and yard waste. FarmPhilly provides 12′ x 4′ x 4’ compost bins, composting supplies, and educational materials and training.