Dear Eco-Monkey >> I live in an apartment complex that has recycling services, but it doesn’t seem to have compost collection. I really hate throwing out food scraps. Are there other options for composting if you don’t have curbside pickup?

Thanks, Clark

Dear Clark >> Thanks for your compost enthusiasm — you’ve got the right rot-titude! As we discussed in last week’s column on wood waste, keeping organic matter like food scraps out of the trash is important. Once it heads to the landfill, it breaks down anaerobically (without oxygen) and creates methane — a powerful greenhouse gas. But that same material becomes a climate solution when you turn it into compost.

Many municipalities in Boulder County and across the Front Range offer curbside compost pickup for single-family homes. But if you live in an apartment complex — or a community without curbside compost service — there are still plenty of ways to be part of the compost solution.

While drop-off sites for branches and yard waste are more common, some communities also accept food scraps. In the Boulder and Broomfield County area, two great options are:

• Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) at 6400 Arapahoe Road in Boulder. CHaRM accepts food scraps only (no yard waste). Visitors from all communities are welcome.

• Longmont’s Recycling Center at 140 Martin Street. This facility accepts both food scraps and yard waste from Longmont residents only, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you’d prefer to compost closer to home, there are DIY options—even in an apartment! Vermicomposting (composting with worms) is compact, low-odor, and apartment-friendly. Eco-Cycle’s vermicomposting guide is a great place to start: ecocycle.org/composting-with-worms.

Got a backyard? A compost bin could be a great fit. It’s relatively easy, low-maintenance, and gives your garden a nutrient boost.

Learn how to get started here: ecocycle.org/backyard-composting.

No matter which method you choose, remember: your compost bin or drop-off bucket isn’t a mini landfill—it’s a soil-making machine! Keep plastics and other non-compostables out to keep your compost (and garden) healthy.

When your compost is ready, put it to work! Use it to nourish your houseplants and flower pots. If you have more space, spread it on your lawn, garden beds or veggie patch. Compost improves soil health, boosts pest resistance, increases carbon storage and makes your plants root for joy.

Happy rotting!

— Eco-Monkey

Got Zero Waste questions? We have answers! Contact recycle@ecocycle.org or call Eco-Cycle at 303-444-6634.