Organic Waste

Organic material includes food waste, compostable paper and certified compostable products, and yard waste.City of Aspen set goals to reduce organic material from the landfill by 25% by 2025 and by 100% by 2050. When buried, these materials generate a harmful greenhouse gas called methane.


Waste Reduction Resources

  • Free Countertop Compost Containers are available for pick up inside Aspen City Hall near the first floor entrance 427 Rio Grande Place in Aspen.  
  • City of Aspen residents can now apply for a $200 discount on an indoor food recycler machine.
    • The city of Aspen is partnering with two different food recycler machine companies to meet your in home food recycling needs, such as size and running time preferences. This is a first come first served grant program that will close once the funding is fully used by residents.
    • Go to Mill or FoodCycler and choose your product and your discount will be automatically applied at checkout as long as you have an 81611 or 81612 shipping zip code.
    • This can be used at a single-family home or multi-family residence, at an HOA or at a business, and the only requirement is that the shipping address is in a 81611 or 81612 postal code.

In February 2023 Aspen City Council adopted an ordinance that prohibits organic material, such as food, from disposal as landfill trash. Organics must be alternatively disposed of as compost, or donation for people or animals.  

To read the ordinance, click here.

This ordinance has 3 phases: 

  1. October 15, 2023, all businesses with a Retail Food License in the city limits must comply. 
  2. January 15  2026, all commercial businesses and multifamily properties will comply. 
  3. January 15, 2028, every owner or occupant of a premises within the city limits will comply. 
  1. How do I comply?
  2. What items can I compost?
  3. What is a Compostable Product
  4. Where can I Donate Food?

Organic Waste Ordinance FAQs

1. Multifamily complexes:
A. Contact the following waste management companies to request a compost container and compost pickup service: 

B. Reach out to waste@aspen.gov  to get free indoor countertop containers and signage for all tenants

  • The city of Aspen also offers free on-site bilingual educational trainings and signage for waste rooms. 

To view the multifamily complex open house powerpoint presentation, click HERE.

2. Commercial Businesses:
Contact waste@aspen.gov for:

  • Indoor countertop compost bin
  • Signage for your employees and employee dining rooms.
  • On-site bilingual educational training.
  • Access to centralized drop-off locations downtown.
    An image displaying a map where compost bins are located

3. Restaurants:
A. Contact the following waste management companies to request a compost container and compost pickup service: 

B. Contact waste@aspen.gov for:

  • Free green Slim Jims for your kitchen and bar to separate compost.
  • Signage for your employees and employee dining rooms.
  • On site educational training (available in English and Spanish)

C. Order compostable trash bags from your major food supplier. Not a requirement, btu can help reduce mess and odor.

D. Train your staff regarding the difference between your 3 waste sources. Contact waste@aspen.gov to have city staff prove on-site bilingual educational trainings

4. Other residents:There are a few options for residents who want to compost in Aspen.1. You can drop off your organics at the Rio Grande Recycle Center located in Aspen on Rio Grande Place across from Obermeyer Place. To participate, please fill out this survey.2. Contact a local provider to collect compost at your curb for a fee. There are two local providers:
3. Drive to Pitkin county solid waste center and drop it off for free.


Ways to Obtain a Compost Receptacle

  • Pick up a free countertop compost container at City Hall on the first floor, 427 Rio Grande Place, Aspen.

1.3-gallon_container_720

  • Pitkin County residents may pick up their free 6.5 gallon bucket at the Pitkin County Landfill. 
  • Paying customers receive a curbside bucket from their local compost collection provider.

Yard Waste Recycling