How does Desert Compostables work?

After you sign up online, we’ll send you an email containing your route details and drop off a 5-gallon bucket (complete with an air-tight lid) within a couple of days.

Collect your compostables in the bucket using the provided list of compostable items.

Place the bucket outside the evening before your designated pick-up day. We recommend placing the bucket in a spot that is visible from the road and, depending on your property, as close to the curb as possible.

We’ll swing by every other week and swap out your bucket with a fresh one.

How much does Desert Compostables cost?

We offer biweekly residential food waste pick-up for $30 per month. You can receive an extra bucket (to swap a total of 2 buckets per pick-up) for an additional $5 per month.

To cover the cost of your bucket and air-tight lid, there is a $15 start-up fee charged upfront during sign-up.

What areas does Desert Compostables service?

To view our current service area, click here. If you are located outside of our service area but interested in signing up, be sure to use the form linked above to submit your information. Once we have that, we can take a closer look and either add you to an existing route or let you know when we expand into your area.

What is composting?

Composting is a natural biological process that involves the decomposition of organic materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials, into a nutrient-rich substance called compost. Compost can be used to enrich soil with essential nutrients, enhance microbial activity, and promote healthier plant growth. It is nature’s closed-loop recycling system.

Why should I compost?

Composting significantly reduces the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills. When organic matter breaks down in landfills, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide.

By composting, you are giving food waste a second chance to break down naturally while combating climate change. It is a rewarding practice that empowers you to take an active role in protecting the environment.

Shouldn't I just compost at home?

We love hearing from people who compost at home! However, if you don’t have the time or space to compost at home, we make it easy and convenient for you to dispose of your food waste responsibly.

What can & cannot go into my bin?

Great question! We’ve included a list below and will provide you with a downloadable/printable version of this list upon sign-up.

Toss it in:

• Fruits & veggies (pits & seeds too!)

• Eggshells

• Coffee grounds

• Starches (pasta, rice, bread, etc.)

• Nuts & nut butters

• Tofu & soy

• Dairy substitutes

• Baked goods

• Wood toothpicks
  

Leave it out:

• Oils & oily food waste in large amounts

• Large amounts of meat or dairy

• Paper products

• Bioplastics

• Produce stickers

Does it smell?

The buckets are equipped with air-tight lids that prevent smells from escaping. While some odor may be released when opening the bucket to toss in compostable items, any residual smell won’t linger long after the lid is replaced.

Can I get some of my compost back?

We do not currently offer a compost return program. However, we certainly hope to be able to offer compost back to our customers as we grow and expand throughout the community.

Where does my food waste and other compostable materials go?

We are creating a more climate-conscious Tucson by offering sustainable options for waste management. Desert Compostables is partnered with The City of Tucson to offer residential food waste pickup services through their FoodCycle program.

At present, collected food waste is taken to the Los Reales Composting Facility where it is turned into compost.