Compost Program

The CHaRM Center now offers a permanent community food scrap drop off station, made possible through the South Suburban Food Waste Diversion Program. This initiative is funded by the USDA Composting & Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Cooperative Agreement Program and supports Cook County’s goal to achieve 45% waste diversion by 2030.

By participating, south suburban residents help keep food waste out of landfills and turn it into nutrient rich compost and renewable natural gas (RNG) through anaerobic digestion.

Why Compost?

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and extends landfill life
Improves soil health, drainage, and water retention
Supports local agriculture and sustainable food systems
Helps lower community waste management costs

Composting transforms organic waste into valuable soil amendments that support healthier gardens, landscapes, and communities.

How It Works

Sign Up using the form below.
Receive a Compost Starter Kit – the first 1,400 residents will receive free food scrap containers, and the first 100 schools, libraries, colleges, and nonprofits will receive food scrap carts.
Drop Off Compostables at the CHaRM Center at South Suburban College (SSC), open every Tuesday and Thursday, and every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.
Attend Workshops and learn best practices.
Participate in Outreach – SSC students will lead community engagement as part of a paid zero-waste internship program.

What CAN Be Composted

Accepted materials are based on Block Bins’ commercial composting guidelines and differ from backyard composting rules.

Fruit and vegetable scraps (raw or cooked)

Meat, poultry, seafood, and bones

Dairy products (cheese, yogurt, milk, etc.)

Bread, grains, pasta, rice, and baked goods

Eggs and eggshells

Coffee grounds & paper coffee filters

Tea leaves & paper tea bags only (no plastic mesh)

Food soiled paper (napkins, paper towels, pizza boxes)

Uncoated paper (newspaper, paper bags)

Compostable paper food packaging (unlined, BPI certified)

Houseplants and untreated potting soil

What CANNOT Be Composted: plastic of any kind, “compostable” or biodegradable plastics unless BPI certified and approved, Styrofoam or foam products, glass or metal, liquids (soups, beverages, sauces in large amounts), cooking oil, grease, or fryer oil (large quantities), pet waste, litter, or diapers, yard waste (branches, logs, rocks), charcoal, coal ash, or treated wood, produce stickers, rubber bands, or twist ties. These items contaminate compost and must stay out.

If you’re ready to join the composting movement, please fill out the form below:

Note: You’ll receive updates, drop-off schedules, and workshop invites after signing up.

Compost Benefits & Distribution

All collected food scraps are sent to the Green Era for anaerobic digestion, producing nutrient-rich compost and renewable natural gas (RNG).

Compost is distributed to local urban farms, schools, and community gardens, helping improve soil health and food access.

Why Compost?

How It Works

What CAN Be Composted

Sign Up Now

Compost Benefits & Distribution