Why are the food scrap carts locked and what is the lock code?

Contamination is a real challenge with any compost program because it is not possible or safe to have staff sort through piles of food scraps removing items that shouldn’t be there.  (Ew, that’s gross too!)  Plus, preventing contamination on the front end helps to ensure the final product is free of inorganic materials and safe to use.

That means, if any food scrap carts are contaminated with items that can’t be composted, the WHOLE CART WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR COMPOSTING and instead, must be disposed of in the garbage.  

The locks on the carts are one level of protection to help ensure that everyone who wishes to participate in the program is trained ahead of time to help prevent contamination so all the food scraps collected can indeed be composted and your efforts are not wasted.  

TO OBTAIN THE LOCK CODE

Please register for the program which will also take you through a short training on acceptable items, then the lock code will be provided. Register at https://forms.gle/M7RUJn2imuAwcXZ76.  

Show All Answers

1. Why are the food scrap carts locked and what is the lock code?
2. Should I use a compostable liner bag in my bin or pour food scraps into cart loosely?
3. Is there a difference between biodegradable and compostable?
4. I live in the region but not in the official City of Charleston limits, may I participate too?
5. Can I add yard debris to the food scrap carts?
6. Where can I report a maintenance concern or program issue?
7. Why aren't there more drop sites?
8. How do I store my food scraps?
9. How frequently should I drop-off my food scraps?
10. Will the program accept compostable bags and other BPI certified compostable containers?
11. Where will the food scraps go?
12. How often are the food-waste carts emptied?
13. What are the benefits of composting?
14. How do I sign-up and is there a cost?
15. How do I participate and when are drop sites open?
16. What items can I put in the food scrap carts?
17. How is commercial composting different from backyard composting?
18. I already compost in my backyard, can I still drop off food scraps and participate in the program?
19. I’d like to compost in my backyard, do you have any tips?
20. Can businesses compost using this program?