We highly encourage our zero waste event customers to use reusable plates, cups, and utensils whenever possible. However, if you choose to purchase disposable products when using our services, we ask that you select compostable products. Following is a guide to help you find the compostable disposables that are right for your event. Note that the paper goods should say “compostable” or 100% paper (with no coating). Biodegradable does not necessarily mean compostable. Chinet plates – Costco, Target, etc. All paper napkins are acceptable, including colored napkins. Webstaurant Cold cups Hot cups Costco Plates Hot cups Amazon Wooden Utensils […]
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What Do We Compost? YES FOOD PRODUCTS Baked goods Bones Breads Candy Cereal Coffee grounds Dairy products Eggshells Fish/seafood Fried food All fruits Meats Grain products All vegetables Spices/herbs Sugars/syrup Tea PAPER PRODUCTS Coffee filters Sugar/salt/pepper packets Egg cartons Gift bags Gift wrap Blue masking tape Paper food packaging Microwave popcorn bags Newspaper Food soiled paper Pencils Tea bags Waxed Paper Wood products/sawdust OTHER BPI certified compostable bags BPI compostable products Cold ashes from fireplace/grill Cellulose sponges Compostable kitchenware (look for “ASTM D-6400”) Holiday wreaths Cotton balls 100% cotton clothing Dryer lint Fur/hair Houseplant scraps Nail clippings PLA Natureworks […]
Read MoreWe are realizing that this thing we’ve been doing our whole lives has been contributing to global warming. They create methane, a greenhouse gas that is 34 times more damaging than CO2.
Read MoreThe food scraps in the commercial composting facilities are given the right environment to biodegrade thus do not contribute to methane gas production.
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It takes a great team of people to do the work of Collective Resource Compost. As our composting community grows, our workforce needs to grow too! We’re always looking for the right people whose values and work ethic match ours. While our team includes specialists in customer service, operations, sales, events, and other support functions, the majority of our people are drivers and washers who work out of our garage in Skokie. Are you dependable and hardworking? Are you willing to learn new things and ideas? Do you believe in team spirit? Do you care about the environment? Do […]
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There are many ways to set up your kitchen to make collecting compost easy. Below are some container options, as well as tips and tricks. Sure-Close Compost Pail Norpro 1-gallon Stainless Steel Compost Keeper Norpro 1-gallon Ceramic Compost Keeper Repurposed compost container You can choose to line your container with a compostable paper bag, or simply rinse occasionally (plastic containers can go in the dishwasher). Collective Resource sells the Sure-Close Compost Pail pictured above for only $10. To purchase one for your kitchen, let us know via the contact form or by emailing customerservice@collectiveresource.us. We’ll deliver it with your next […]
Read MoreDOWNLOAD COMPOST PICKUP SERVICE AREA MAP Our service area is ever-growing. The best way to get us servicing your neighborhood or town is to contact us via our Contact Form. Composting Chicago Neighborhoods Albany Park Avondale Belmont Craigin Bucktown East Garfield Park Edison Park Edgebrook Edgewater Hermosa Humboldt Park Irving Park Jefferson Park Lakeview Lincoln Park Lincoln Square Logan Square Loop Lower West Side Near North Side Near South Side Near West Side North Center North Lawndale North Park Norwood Park Pilsen Portage Park Rogers Park South Lawndale South Loop Uptown West Loop West Ridge West Town Wicker Park Composting […]
Read MoreAccording to research performed by the Environmental Protection Agency, organic waste comprises at least 30% of a total waste produced by a typical household. On average we generate approximately 4.40 pounds per person per day, which amounts to over 1600 pounds annually! By composting you can reduce that number by at least a third, and by using commercial composting service you would generate even less waste since you can put natural textiles, soiled paper, and similar items we usually put in our garbage bin. Our customers report reducing dumpster trips to about once a month from two-three times a […]
Read MoreOnce your food scraps and other compostables are collected, the full buckets or totes go for a short ride to a Chicagoland commercial composting site. They are mixed with grass clippings, leaves, Christmas trees, and food-soiled cardboard. Exposed to the sunlight, rain, and air, they break down naturally into a beautiful soil treatment. At the site, a process called windrow composting is used to create the finished compost, which is mostly used for landscaping. Commercial Composting List Meat, bones, fish, and seafood Seafood shells Fruits and vegetables Eggs and eggshells Milk, cheese, and other dairy Dressings, condiments, sauces, and […]
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