Food scrap waste has negative economic, environmental and social impacts, and now Elmhurst residents have an opportunity to reduce those impacts with the City’s curbside food scrap composting program.
Residents can rent a 65-gallon organic waste toter directly from Republic Services by calling 708-345-7050. The price is $19 per month, and residents will be billed directly by Republic. Residents who choose not to rent toters can still participate by placing organic waste in brown paper yard waste (or biodegradable) bags or unlined garbage cans and attaching yard waste stickers to each bag/can. Stickers are $3.50, and can be purchased at City Hall or at these local businesses.
For either option, food scrap composting is collected from April 1 through December 1 only.
Acceptable items:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Pastas
- Meat (no bones)
- Breads
- Crackers
- Cereals
- Egg shells
- Dairy—cheese, yogurt (no liquids)
Unacceptable Materials:
- No packaging
- No cups, flat ware, or paper products
- No labels
- No rubber bands
- No plastics
- No glass
- No liquids
- No milk or juices
- No beverages
This is in addition to the following items that were previously accepted:
- Leaves
- Grass clippings and weeds
- Floral trimmings
- Bundled tree trimmings and brush
Food scraps is the largest category of municipal solid waste currently sent to landfills. When disposed of in landfills, food waste breaks down and releases methane.
To advocate for year-round composting, contact your aldermen.