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Important Update: Plastic Bags Are No Longer Accepted

We previously accepted plastic bags as bin liners because our partner facility used a depackaging process. Now that all South Portland food waste goes directly to our farm for composting, plastic bags cannot be accepted — even as liners. Please use compostable bags, a brown paper bag lining, or simply rinse your container between uses.

Official Partner of South Portland, Maine

We've proudly partnered with the City of South Portland since 2017 — operating free drop-off sites, running composting programs in South Portland schools, and offering residents a discounted curbside rate. Together, we're keeping food scraps out of landfills and turning them into something great.

🏛️ City of South Portland Partnership Since 2017

Choose What Works for You

Drop off for free, or sign up for the convenience of weekly curbside pickup.

FULL SERVICE

Curbside — Full Service

$19/month

Our standard service with weekly clean bucket swap and all the extras.

  • Weekly curbside pickup on trash day
  • 5-gallon bucket delivered at start of service
  • Clean bucket provided each week
  • All food scraps accepted
  • Organic finished compost available for weekly delivery (Apr – Oct)
  • Earn free service via referrals and our volunteer program
  • Cancel anytime
Sign Up — $19/mo

Compost Anywhere in South Portland

South Portland's official composting program. Convenient weekly pickup on trash day for just $2.76 per week. Or drop off your food scraps at free locations across the city — no subscription needed.

Food scraps being composted, illustrating the transformation of food waste into rich organic compost for Maine gardens

2017

Partnering with South Portland

Free

Drop-Off Sites Citywide

800+

South Portland Households

100%

Composted Locally in Maine

What's Accepted

All food scraps are welcome — no sorting needed. Here's a quick guide to what can and can't go in the bins.

Yes, Please!

  • Fruit & vegetable scraps
  • Meat & fish
  • Dairy & eggs
  • Bread & grains
  • Coffee grounds & filters
  • Tea bags (paper)
  • Cooked food & leftovers
  • Paper napkins & towels
  • Compostable bags/liners
  • Food-soiled paper

🚫 Please Keep Out

  • Plastic bags (including as liners)
  • Plastic packaging
  • Glass or metal
  • Diapers or wipes
  • Pet waste
  • Yard waste or soil
  • Styrofoam
  • Liquids

Your Scraps Come Back to South Portland

All food waste collected in South Portland is composted locally at Maine farms and facilities — including Fern Song Farm in Windham and CPRC Group in Auburn.

And the best part? The finished compost comes back home. Garbage to Garden donates 30 yards of finished compost annually to the City of South Portland for use in parks, community gardens, and more.

🌿 Bulk compost is available for purchase. Email us or call (207) 332-0277 for details.
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Closed Loop Composting

Your food scraps become rich organic compost that feeds South Portland's gardens, parks, and farms — right back in your community.

Garbage to Garden volunteers and team members at a community composting event in South Portland, Maine

Volunteer & Earn Free Service

Help us spread the word about composting in South Portland — at events, neighborhood outreach, or through our referral program — and earn real rewards.

  • Free composting service
  • Finished organic compost for your garden
  • Exclusive Garbage to Garden swag
  • Community impact opportunities
  • Referral program rewards
Email Us to Volunteer

Start Composting Today

Whether you drop off or sign up for curbside, every scrap you keep out of the landfill makes South Portland a little greener.