Frequently Asked Questions

My city/town already picks up my trash including my food waste. Why should I compost it?

Composting is the most environmentally friendly method of disposing of food waste.  Food (and other plant/organic material) that does end up in landfills or incinerators (with normal trash services) breaks down, releasing methane.  Methane gas from landfills and incinerators is a leading contributor to climate change, as much as 8% of all human-caused greenhouse gasses.  On the flip side, composting your food waste produces a useful product, compost, that is extremely nutrient-dense and is an all-natural fertilizer.  Many of our customers report that they reduce their trash by nearly half!

I sometimes am out and about on pickup days. Do I need to be home when you pick up my food waste?

Pickups are based on the neighborhood in which you live and are done during the day.  You can place your bin outside and at the curb by 8 am on your neighborhood's pickup day.  We pick up your food waste between 8 am and 7 pm, so as long as it’s ready, no need to be home.

I am excited to compost my food waste but I usually use it in my garden. How can I get some finished compost?

Each Spring and Fall we return some finished compost to our customers who want it for free and who have been signed up for at least three months. Additional compost can be requested but is not guaranteed to be available.

Ok, I’m in. What can go in the bin?

Residential customers should refer to our Services page for a complete list of acceptable food waste and our most unwanted list. If you have questions about something not on the list, you can email or call us.  For commercial customers, we can handle most food waste listed on our Services page as well as some other items not on the list.

I only have a little bit of room in my home/apartment. How big is your container?

Our standard collection container is 5 gallons in volume.  It is around 14" tall and 12" in diameter.  It has a lid that seals but is fairly easy to take on and off.  If this container will not work for your space, contact us and we will work something out. 

I’d like to try out your service but I’m worried I will not be able to continue it for a long time. Do you have to sign up for the long-term?

Flexibility is our middle name!  We offer the service on a month-to-month basis.  You are welcome to cancel at any time. We’re happy to help in all circumstances.

What happens if I choose the wrong pick-up frequency?

Simply shoot us a message on your account portal and we’ll help you adjust it to the right plan for you.

I love this idea and so does my neighbor. Can we share a bin?

Of course, you can share your bin.  If you and your neighbor don't produce a lot of food waste and want to share a container, go for it. However, make sure to only create one account on our portal.

You’re telling me that you make composting in the Berkshires easy, cheap, and accessible. What’s the catch?

You have to be in our service areas in the Berkshires!