About ROC City Compost
Rochester’s Community-wide Climate Action Plan recommends the implementation of an organics collection and composting program to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and, as a result, reduce landfill greenhouse gas emissions (methane) that worsen climate change. Through composting, food scraps can be turned into nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening and potting household plants that filter oxygen in our homes.
The ROC City Compost program is part of the City’s larger Food Waste Reduction, Donation and Organics Recycling Program. The City of Rochester believes that “Food Is Treasure” and that we can turn “trash” into treasure. Learn more about the City’s Food Waste Prevention, Donation and Organics Recycling program and “Food Is Treasure” Food Waste Education Guide here.
Free Registration
Free registration for new participants is open for a limited time.
Please note: to be eligible, you must be a Rochester resident and only one member per household may register. A City staff member will contact you to confirm registration and next steps. New and existing participants can choose to drop-off food waste at any of the three locations at Maplewood Park, Cobbs Hill Park and Genesee Valley Park. For details, see Drop-off locations and schedules section below.
Contact:
What is composting?
Composting is the practice of separating organic waste (food waste and more) from regular land-fill bound household garbage so that it can be processed into a nutrient-rich material (compost) that can improve soil quality. After preparing or enjoying a meal, food scraps from your plate and cutting board (and more) can go into a compost bin provided by the City. By separating your food scraps at home, you are helping to send less waste to the landfill and instead recycle it into compost so that we can create a healthier environment for everyone.
How does the ROC City Compost program work?
Once you have signed up for the program and have your toolkit of materials, you may drop-off your food waste at the following locations and times on a weekly basis.
Drop-off locations and schedule
Maplewood Park
Parking lot by Maplewood Rose Garden
250 Maplewood Ave., Rochester, NY 14613
Tuesdays, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Cobbs Hill Park
Parking lot by Lake Riley Lodge
100 Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610
Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Wednesdays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Genesee Valley Park
Parking lot by Sports Complex
131 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14611
Saturdays, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Compost Help
All food scraps
- Fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, nuts, bones, shells, breads, cereals, grains, baked goods, pasta, coffee grounds, expired food or old leftovers
Food-soiled paper products
- Napkins, paper towels, coffee filters, tea bags, paper takeout boxes
Compostable products
- All "bio-plastics" labeled as BPI-certified commercially compostable
Other
- Small amounts of plant clippings, flowers, leaves
Animal or human waste, diapers, fats, oil or grease, non-compostable takeout containers, Styrofoam, plastic, metal, glass
Continue to place anything recyclable into the blue recycling container.
Store your bin indoors and keep the lid sealed tight. Keeping it outside may attract pests. Bins fit under many kitchen sinks.
Drop off every week even if it is not full. Mark your drop-off day and time in your calendar to reoccur every week. ]
Maintain your bucket by lining your bucket with a layer of newspaper, a paper grocery bag, or a bio-bag. Wash your bucket with soap and water weekly after emptying.
Yes.
This just means that we do not want you to compost large quantities of fat or oil such as a quart of used cooking oil. It is OK to compost anything baked or cooked in or with oil and fat or paper towels used to wipe off oil and fat.
Yes, you can compost plants and vegetable stalks, however, any yard waste that is more appropriate for leaf pick-up should be designated for leaf pick-up. Learn more about the City’s Fall Leaf Collection.
Compost program information
The food waste generated from our program is brought by our waste hauler (Impact Earth) to a vermicomposting facility (worm farm) called Organix Green Industries located in Seneca Castle NY. Once the food scraps are recycled into compost, ROC City Compost will give back a portion of the compost to participants. Check back here for updates about the compost giveback.
Based on the outcome of the one-year pilot, we are considering expanding the drop-off to a new location that will be announced soon. In the future, we may consider the feasibility of curbside pick-up. Other factors such as funding availability and interest from a broader participant base would determine how the program can expand.
Based on the outcome of the pilot program and feedback from participants and the public, we will consider adding locations and adjusting hours.
As of February 2024, ROC City Compost collected 294 tons of food wast