Published: Feb. 12, 2021 By

One of the foundations of having a zero-waste mindset is understanding the impact and importance of composting. Composting is nature’s own “zero waste” system! Here in Boulder, we are lucky enough to have curbside pickup and an industrial composting system in place. But, what does this mean, and how does composting really work?

What is composting?

What does biodegradable mean?

What does biodegradable mean?

What does compostable mean?

  • Items are compostable if they can be turned in compost (nutrient rich soil) by a natural process in an Industrial Composting Facility or in your backyard compost bin

  • Items that can be composted an Industrial Composting Facility have to meet a certification process from the Biodegradable Products Institute

  • Other items that do not meet this certification may not break down in the composting process and then contaminate the finished compost product

What is compostable?

  • On campus at CU, compost collections can be found in rest rooms across many buildings, in the UMC dining area, at many zero waste events, and at these other locations

  • In Boulder, curbside compost pickup is available for residents at no extra charge. Here is what can be composted:

  • Compostable paper: 

    • Dark and bright colored paper, coffee filters, napkins, paper towels, cardboard

  • Foods and plants

    • Anything you can eat, you can compost! 

    • Plants, leaves. and branches from yard waste too!

  • Specially-designed compostable plastics

  • Look for these logos or the word “Compostable”

Benefits of composting