Q: Is the food recycling program only for vegetable and fruit trimmings?
A: In addition to vegetable and fruit trimmings, breads, fish and seafood wastes, meat, dairy and food-soiled paper such as waxed cardboard are now included in this program. Grease, liquids, and regular garbage such as food prep gloves and plastic disposable dishware are not acceptable in this program. See a more detailed list of acceptable items (PDF, 1,202kb).

Q: What type and size of container does my business have to use for this program?
A: Businesses can choose their size of container by consulting with a certified food collection company (see list below). Most companies offer cart and dumpster service and some offer bagged collection of food waste.

Q: How often does the food waste get collected?
A: This program gives you the choice of how often your food waste is collected as long as it is picked up at least once per week.

Q: Will my food waste container smell and attract insects and other pests?
A: Food waste is already being placed in your business' garbage container so you can expect similar odor and pest problems your business experiences with its garbage dumpster. However, the program requires that businesses keep their containers as clean as possible, with food collection companies providing dumpster cleaning services for a fee.

Q: My business has employees that speak many different languages. How will they understand what to do?
A: Educational materials are available in 11 languages, including English. In addition, Resource Venture and its partners provide translation services where necessary.

• Arabic (PDF, 2,660 kb)
• Cambodian (PDF, 2,178 kb)
• Chinese (PDF, 2,070 kb)
• English (PDF, 1,044 kb)
• French (PDF, 2,197 kb)
  
• Hindi (PDF, 1,865 kb)
• Portugese (PDF, 2,174 kb)
• Spanish (PDF, 1,385 kb)
• Tagalog (PDF, 2,190 kb)
• Thai (PDF, 1,375 kb)
• Vietnamese (PDF, 1,725 kb)

Q: What should my business do with leftover food that is still edible?
A: We recommend that businesses donate edible foods to local food recovery programs.

Q: How can my business sign up?
A: For more information or to signup, call Resource Venture at (206) 343-8505 or call one of the four certified food waste hauling companies.

• Bobby Brown at Allied Waste, (206) 332-7777 (If you are located north of Royal Brougham Way/Jackson Street)
• Bob Moselle at Cedar Grove Composting, (206) 832-3089
• Signe Gilson at CleanScapes, (206) 341-9677
• Ben Corning at Waste Management, (206) 762-3000 (If you are located south of Royal Brougham Way/Jackson Street)