Try Composting Without a Bag

Best practices to help you skip compostable bags.

What goes in it turns into living soil and nutritious food through the composting process. High-quality compost increases our soil’s ability to absorb and hold water. It also promotes a diversity of soil life that store carbon. However, these benefits depend on a clean compost stream.

There are also limits to the size and type of compostable bags you can compost. These new rules, set by compost manufacturer A1 Organics, help prevent plastic, glass and other contaminates from hiding in bags.

Certain small, certified compostable bags are still allowed in your curbside compost bin. Please see A1 Organics’ website for a list of accepted certified compostable bags.

The city's 2017 Bear Protection Ordinance 8161 aims to protect bears by eliminating access to food rewards found in trash and compost bins. The ordinance requires:

View a downloadable map of the area where bear-resistant containers are mandatory at all times.

Contact your waste hauler for bear-resistant trash and compost containers if you don't have them.

Learn more about keeping bears out of your compost bin.

Many waste haulers are still collecting large, brown paper bags used for yard trimmings. These bags must be left next to your compost bin. Please check with your waste hauler for more information.

Large yard trimmings, like branches, can be taken to Western Disposal’s Yard Waste Drop-Off Center for a reduced fee.

Check out our online article and Waste Sorting 101 web guide for local sorting guidelines and compost tips.

April 7, 2023

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December 6, 2022