Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we have food waste pamphlets translated into French, Somali, and Portuguese. 

Food Waste Program French Translation

Food Waste Program Somali Translation

Food Waste Program Portuguese Translation

Clear plastic produce bags from the grocery store can be used to tie up your food waste before putting it into the bin. Exter Agri-Energy has a machine that separates food waste from plastic bags. You can also line the bin with newspaper before throwing in your food waste. Residents are responsible for cleaning their bin.

If you have a lost or damaged bin, contact Denise at Public Works at 207-767-7635 for a replacement. 

Yes, we strongly recommend placing your food scraps in the bin rather than down the garbage disposal. There are higher uses for compost. Putting food waste into the City’s waste water system has environmental costs.

Not necessarily. You should feel free to continue composting in your backyard. Residents may use the food waste collection program to compost items that you cannot put in your backyard compost- such as liquids, fats, oils, greases, meat and fish scraps, paper napkins, compostable silverware, as well as coffee filters and tea bags. Food waste collection can also serve as a backup in the winter months. 

That is up to you! Once you have received your free food waste cart from the City, the choice is yours. You can elect to continue contracting with Garbage to Garden to haul your food waste and provide you compost. The City has negotiated a reduced rate. Otherwise, you can bring your food waste to any of the four collection sites at no cost. Or, if you like having your bin cleaned out every week by Garbage to Garden, you can keep paying for the full rate service (Note: the City's negotiated rate service with Garbage to Garden does not include this bin cleaning service).

Carts located at the drop-off locations will be emptied weekly by Garbage to Garden. In summer months, carts will be emptied more frequently. Saw dust is available at drop-off sites to contain the smell and can be scooped into the bin after disposing of food waste. If you notice a full or smelly drop-off cart, please contact the Sustainability Office to coordinate a pick-up within 24 hours.