Backyard Food Scraps Compost Bins are Being Offered at Bulk Discount Prices! - My Green Montgomery (2024)

Composting Food Scraps in Montgomery County, MD

Montgomery County, Maryland requires the use of a rodent-proof compost bin, with a tight-fitting lid, to compost food scraps in backyards. The yard trim compost bins currently provided by the County are designed for composting yard trim materials (including leaves, grass, garden trimmings), because these bins are completely open on the top and the bottom and have aerating holes all around the sides. Adding food scraps in an open compost pile or in a compost bin that is not enclosed, is problematic because these actions attract rodents and other pests. Composting food scraps, such as fruit and vegetable peelings, requires more care, steps and monitoring, to reduce odors and the risk of pests.

Food Scraps Compost Bin Bulk Discount Sales

Over the last two-years with the help of 1,000 resident volunteers, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has evaluated two types of compost bins for food scraps composting to ensure that the bins successfully deter rodents and aid in the decomposition of food scraps. The vast majority of participants have been able to compost food scraps in their backyard without experiencing any issues by using these bins and following our Best Practices recommendations.

DEP is coordinating a bulk discount sale of the successfully evaluated Earth Machine and the Hotfrog Dual Chamber Tumbler. By facilitating a bulk discount sale, we are providing residents with the opportunity to purchase these compost bins at a reduced cost – the Earth Machine (a $100 value) for $59.95 and the Hotfrog Dual Chamber Composter (a $130 value) for $109.95. An outside vendor will handle all sales. You must purchase your compost bin in advance online prior to pick-up. Compost bins will not be offered for sale at pickup locations.

The Food Scraps Compost Bin Bulk Discount Sale pickups will occur at the following dates and locations:

• Saturday, 6/22 at Paint Branch High School, 9 am – 12 pm (14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866)

• Sunday, 6/23 at Whitman High School, 11 am – 2 pm (7100 Whittier Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817)

Learn more about Montgomery County’s Backyard Food Scraps Compost Bin Bulk Discount Sale, visit MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/FoodScraps.