Composting uses the natural process of decay to change organic waste into a valuable humus-like material. It is an easy way to reduce waste, save money and protect the environment! According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one person generates an average of approximately 1.35 pounds of organic or compostable waste per day. That equals almost 500 pounds per person every year, which could be diverted out of the trash stream through composting.

Composting is an important strategy in achieving Lower Merion's waste minimization goals, as laid out in the Township's Sustainability Plan.

The Township has two pilot programs to help Township residents compost their food waste:

1. Pilot Community Compost Program

Description: The Pilot Community Compost Program allows participants to drop off their food waste at designated Township locations, where it will be collected and composted off-site. 

Eligibility: All Township residents are eligible.

Signing Up: Visit the community compost webpage and fill out the interest form. 

Click Here for Community Compost

2. Pilot Curbside Compost Program

Description: The Pilot Curbside Compost Program allows participants to collect their food waste in a provided container, then place it on the curb for weekly pickup along with trash and recycling.

Eligibility: Township waste subscribers within the Catchment Area are eligible to join.

Signing Up: Visit the curbside compost webpage to determine your eligibility, then click the registration link.

Click Here for Curbside Compost

More Composting Opportunities:

Besides Township programs, there are several other ways to compost your organic waste:

Compost At Home: There are tons of ways to compost at home, whether indoors or outdoors. Outdoors, you can compost in a compost pile, bin, or barrel. Indoors, you can use the Bokashi system or create an earthworm farm in as little as 2 square feet. Lower Merion Township sells compost bins at cost at our Township Administration Building. For more information, click here. 

Private Pick-up Services: Several companies in the area offer curbside compost pick-up services. Use this website to find a pick-up service.

Compost Bin Swaps: Institutions in the Township are increasingly starting to set up compost collection sites and bin swap programs. Search "Community Composting" or "Compost Bin Swap" to find one near you!

Check out the resources below for more information on composting:

Composting - It Is Recycling Naturally (pdf)

Composting Critters - The Compost Food Web (pdf)

Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Flyer (pdf)

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection - Resources for Home Composting

EPA: Composting At Home

EPA: How to Create and Maintain an Indoor Worm Composting Bin 

Backyard Composting Basics (webinar recording)

All About Compost Brochure (pdf)

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