The pilot composting drop-off program for residents that began on Oct. 7, 2024, at two Naperville locations will end for 2024 on Dec. 15. Pictured above is the entrance along 91st Street near Wolf’s Crossing Road. Both locations provide 20 carts for Naperville residents to drop off compost materials. (PN Photo)
City of Naperville Report
The City partnered with Groot Industries to expand the City’s composting program by adding two residential drop-off locations. One location is at the CNG Station at 1720 Jefferson Avenue and the other one is at the City-owned parking lot at 91st Street and Wolf’s Crossing Road.
Since Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, each location has provided 20 carts for Naperville residents to drop off accepted compost materials. Folks can still participate in the pilot program, running through Dec. 15, 2024. Data also will be collected and used to reevaluate its continuance in 2025.
Compost added to soil helps plants grow
Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste currently make up 20 to 30 percent of what we throw away and could be composted instead. Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Under the City’s existing refuse and recycling program with Groot Industries, residents with yard waste carts can compost food scraps and regular yard waste together in one container that can be rented annually from Groot. Materials accepted include standard yard waste and compostable food scraps such as fruits, vegetables, pastas, breads, crackers and cereals. Meat products and/or bones are not accepted at this time.
Carts have been available to all Naperville residents 24/7 and were not to be removed from the drop-off site. Residents must use their own means to transport materials to the drop-off site. Only accepted materials should be placed in the carts, and food waste must be free from packaging and produce stickers. Groot will regularly empty the carts and manage the disposal of the material.
“Food scraps make up a large percentage of what we send to landfills in the U.S. and in Naperville,” said Naperville Sustainability Manager Ben Mjolsness. “These materials are packed full of valuable nutrients we should view as a resource that enriches the land. Composting completes the cycle, returning these nutrients to where they started to support future plants and a healthier environment while reducing greenhouse gas pollution. We are thrilled to partner with Groot to expand our composting program to the broader Naperville community!”
Composting program started in October concludes December 15
The program will conclude for the season the week of Dec. 15 and, depending on usage, is expected to restart at the same locations in March 2025. Groot will track the volumes of material collected and the City will use the usage data to determine if and how to continue and/or expand the drop-off program to additional locations in 2025.
For more information about the pilot program, a map of pilot composting sites and for more information about composting guidelines, visit www.naperville.il.us/yardwaste.
Final free collection of bagged leaves is this week
Until this Fri., Dec. 13, 2024, the City will continue to offer its free leaf bagged and yard waste collection program. During this time, homeowners may dispose of yard waste and leaves in 32-gallon paper yard waste bags or clearly labeled cans or carts, free of charge.
Note: Branches and other yard waste that are tied into bundles require a sticker at all times.
To participate, fill 32-gallon paper yard waste bags, clearly labeled 32-gallon trash cans or clearly labeled two-wheeled carts with leaves and other yard waste. Place the receptacle at the curb by 6AM on your normal trash collection day.
According to the City’s website, this includes the City’s yard waste/organics collection program allowing residents to bypass bagging and stickers by utilizing a provided cart to dispose of food waste/organics and yard waste for a seasonal fee paid to Groot Industries.
Editor’s Note / These reports, originally received in October, have been updated with photos. The two takeaways from this post are that composting sites close Dec. 15 and free leaf pick up ends Dec. 13. Thanks for reading.
