The Northwest has some of the highest solid waste costs in the nation, and they are increasing. Resource Venture is helping businesses divert substantial amounts of heavy organic waste from the garbage, significantly reducing businesses’ waste disposal costs.

Organic material such as food waste, food-soiled paper, wax cardboard and plant material can get picked up just like garbage collection, however, the pick-up is significantly less expensive as it is not taxed and has no associated fees.

Organic waste becomes compost and ends up in gardens instead of in the landfill. There are over 400 organic waste collection accounts in the Puget Sound region and growing.

To get you started Resource Venture offers:

• FREE bio bags (limited supply)

• FREE staff training, signs, and troubleshooting

What Can Be Composted?

Through this program, virtually all food waste, food-soiled paper, plant and wood scraps can be recycled, including: fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, grains, coffee grounds, filters and tea bags, shredded paper and paper soiled with food, fat or grease, waxed paper and waxed cardboard, paper cups, plates, napkins and take-out containers.

What Can Not Be Composted?

The following are examples of what is not allowed in the food scrap recycling containers: plastics, liquids or grease, hazardous substances, restroom paper, Styrofoam, glass, foil or other metals.

For a complete list of what can and cannot be composted download a YES/NO commercial composting flyer.

Get Started!

Contact Resource Venture, 206.343.8505 or help@resourceventure.org.

Additional Resources

• More details on collecting food waste for recycling
• Tips and Reminders for a Successful Program (PDF, 729kb)
• A list of what is and is not allowed in the Commercial Food Recycling Program (PDF, 1,202kb)
• Other options for food waste management
• Food too Good to Waste - information about food donation
• Do you want to reduce your waste even more? Consider compostable foodservice ware.  For an up to date list of Cedar Grove approved foodservice ware products and vendors that sell them, email Cedar Grove.