As people become more and more eco-conscious, it seems like composting is no longer uncommon in houses around the country. But composting at your business?

We see business composting efforts becoming more common as business owners look for ways to be more sustainable. Studies have shown that one-third of garbage is compostable, which means that we’re creating a lot of needless waste. Implemented correctly, an office composting program can not only reduce your carbon footprint, but can also save your business money.  But how to know if composting will work for you? Read on and find out!

1. How much will it cost?

The initial startup costs to begin composting can be very small. Most offices already have recycling bins, and it’s easy to repurpose a few of these into composting bins, and to add a closed container for food scraps into the office breakroom.

Many big cities offer compost collection as part of their waste removal services. Seattle, for example, will deliver compost bins to your business and empty them at least once a week. Their prices for compost service are 32% LESS than normal trash prices, which means the more you compost, the more money your office will save.

2. What can I compost?

More than you think! Yard waste, food scraps, coffee grounds and filters, even the receptionist’s dried up flower-arrangement are all compostable. Each city will have specific guidelines for what is and is not accepted, and you can find Seattle’s approved-items poster here.

3. How much training is needed?

The hardest part about composting is educated your employees about what can and can’t be composted. Most cities’ waste removal programs have posters or other information about what is and aren’t compostable, and these are easy to post around the office. In the end, composting required nothing more of your employees than remembering to throw items into one bin instead of the other.

Ready to try it? Start small, perhaps with a voluntary pilot program, and work up to a full composting program as employees get used to it. Your cleaning and maintenance crew will also need to know about your composting program, but many (especially in our area) are used to composting and will make the switch easily.