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Why Compost?
Why Compost?
Composting is a good habit to build into your routine that benefits both you and the environment while also being a source of fun. Dropping off your food waste can be a great way to establish a sense of community and get your steps in! Composting food waste also reduces smells and bugs in your garbage bins by separating out organic waste.
Choosing to compost instead of throwing away your food waste helps reduce the amount of garbage going to landfills. Landfills damage the environment by releasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane as waste decomposes. Nearly one quarter of the total waste in American landfills is food waste and choosing to compost is one easy and impactful solution to reduce your carbon footprint and combat climate change.
What is composting?
What is composting?
Composting is the act of decomposing organic waste through bacteria, fungi, and worms that break down the molecules. In the end, all that is left is an organic matter called humus which can be used as a fertilizer or soil conditioner.
Composting Food and Other Waste
Composting Food and Other Waste
Chicago also hosts a Food Scrap Drop-Off program, making composting free and more accessible for city residents. There are 33 drop-off locations across the city where you can drop off food scraps and other organic waste. You can find the nearest location and more information about the program on this page: Food Scrap Drop-Off. Below is a guide for what materials you can and cannot compost.
What to Compost
Fruit and Vegetable Scraps (peels, rinds, etc.)
Cooked food
Meat, fish, bones*
Dairy products*
Eggshells
Nuts and nutshells
Breads
Tea leaves and coffee grounds (filters removed)
*Not recommended for at home composting, but accepted by Chicago's Food Scrap Drop-Off program*
What NOT to Compost
Pet litter and feces
Compostable plastics
Metal, glass, and plastics
Yard trimmings or mulch treated with pesticides
Napkins, cardboard, or paper
Foodware or packaging (rubber bands, produce stickers, etc.)
How to Compost Through the City of Chicago's Food Scrap Drop Off Program
How to Compost Through the City of Chicago's Food Scrap Drop Off Program
Check out our video to learn more!
Compost Trees in Chicago
Compost Trees in Chicago
The city of Chicago hosts an annual tree recycling program with 27 drop-off locations across the city. The tree recycling program takes place from January 11th to 25th (2026). After removing all lights and decorations from your tree, you can drop your natural trees off at the nearest location for the tree to be recycled into mulch for Chicago residents, forests, and parks. More information about the tree recycling program can be found on this page: Holiday Tree Recycling.
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