Office of Environment & Sustainability Menu

Composting

Composting is a natural and environmentally friendly process that transforms organic waste, such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and other biodegradable materials, into nutrient-rich soil conditioner known as compost. It involves the decomposition of these organic materials by microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, under controlled conditions. Composting not only diverts organic waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also produces a valuable product that enhances soil quality, enriches its fertility, and improves water retention. This nutrient-rich compost can be used in gardening, agriculture, and landscaping, promoting healthier plant growth and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

 

There are so many ways that you can get involved with composting for free. 

  • Drop off your food scraps at the College Hill Recreation Center (5545 Belmont Avenue) FOOD SCRAP COLLECTION AT THIS LOCATION IS ON PAUSE. Plans are to resume collection by February. Check back for updates.
    • Click HERE to see all accepted materials
    • Just joined the College Hill Rec Center Soil Site on Make Soil and want a free countertop compost bin?  Email your interest for a free compost bin to oes@cincinnati-oh.gov

  • Drop off your food scraps at the Camp Washington Perennial Farm (3220 Colerain Ave) 24/7 access 

    • Click HERE to see the list of accepted materials and submit a request to join the site   

    • After your request has been approved, join the site on MakeSoil  and log your food scrap drop offs every time you visit the site 

    • Want to receive a free countertop compost bin? Once you have joined the site on MakeSoil, you can email your interest to oes@cincinnati-oh.gov 

  • Download the Make Soil app and check out who else is composting near you
    • To receive a free countertop compost bin, download Make Soil, join a soil site, and email your interest for a free compost bin to oes@cincinnati-oh.gov

  • Set up composting at your school with Hamilton County R3Source

    • Recycle food scraps from school lunches and other organic material, like leaves and plant clippings, into nutrient-rich compost.

  • Start your own compost in your backyard or in your community garden
    • Check out composting and training resources below

Queen City Commons 

Queen City Commons provides food scrap collection service to businesses and residents, and partners with local farms and gardens to turn that food scrap into compost. 

CompostNow 

CompostNow offers weekly and bi-weekly pick-up services at your doorstep, or drop-off stations in select communities. They also offer composting services for your office or small business, as well as a range of industries including offices, restaurants, coffee shops, event centers, and medical and higher education campuses. 

Findlay Market 

Findlay Market has expanded its composting program to allow community members to participate. Residents and market shoppers can rent a bucket from Findlay Market and drop off their food waste as part of the market’s Greening the Market Sustainability Program. 

Civic Garden Center

  • The Civic Garden Center's Compost Pro training is a six-part series open to anyone wanting to advance their composting skills and knowledge. The goal of the program is to build a composting knowledge base in the Cincinnati region.
  • Signing up for the Hamilton County R3Source Newsletter will keep you updated on upcoming classes and trainings.

Hamilton County R3Source Backyard Composting Guide 

  • With Hamilton County R3Source's Backyard Composting Guide, learn everything you need to know about different kinds of composting techniques.
  • Signing up for the Hamilton County R3Source Newsletter will keep you updated on upcoming classes and trainings.

Institute for Local Self Reliance Neighborhood Soil Rebuilders Training

  • The NSR Composter Training Program is a train-the-trainer program that prepares participants to establish and manage composting projects that both engage and serve their communities. Participants can then teach others, share lessons learned, start their own enterprises, and contribute to advancing local composting.
  • Signing up for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance Newsletter will keep you updated on upcoming classes and trainings.

Tikkun Farm