Compost

Boise has been composting since June 2017, and the program has been an overwhelming success. Since the launch, we have collected over 70,000 tons of compostable material! Completed compost is available at our pick-up sites at the Idaho Botanical Garden and Joplin Rd. Residents can pick-up two cubic yards per year for free.

• Curbside compost collection is weekly. Place any overflow compost in paper bags next to your cart
• No plastic please! Put your compost in paper bags or loose in the cart
• Double check your yard waste for dog toys, such as balls and frisbees
• Just because something says 'compostable' does not mean it can go in your compost cart. Compostable bags and trays are made to break down in a landfill and cannot be processed at our facility.

Watch the video below for a quick overview.

Christmas trees can be composted! There is no time limit for setting your tree out for collection.

Cut your tree into 4’ segments or less and put as much of the tree as you can inside your compost cart. Set any additional segments out in bundles of less than 4’ in length and less than 60 lbs in weight out next to your compost cart for collection.

Material is delivered to both sites Monday through Friday as available. Compost is available on a first come, first serve basis. 

You can pick up compost at:

Idaho Botanical Garden | 2355 N. Penitentiary Road. Boise, ID 83702 
Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday, normal business hours – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Joplin Road Compost Site | 12142 W Joplin Rd, Boise, ID 83714
Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
View Map

Compost is delivered to a site as it becomes available.

Ongoing pick-up of finished compost is self-serve. Come prepared to load your own compost with shovels and sturdy containers (e.g. bags, boxes, buckets). Limit two cubic yards per customer per year. Compost is available for Boise participating compost customers only; no commercial use is permitted. For more information, please contact us.

Uses

Application for lawn improvement, mulch around trees and plants at your home for landscaping and as a soil amendment for vegetable gardens. 

View Collection Guide

Accepted Materials

• Leaves, tree branches, stumps, and limbs (up to 4 ft in length and less than 60 pounds)
• Grass
• Fruits and vegetables
• Yard and garden waste
• Coffee grounds, coffee filters, tea bags and egg shells
• Pine cones and needles

Not Accepted

• Dairy
• Fats, oils and grease
• Pet waste
• Plastics
• Grains, bread and pasta
• Meat, fish, bones or any other animal by product
• Rocks
• Soil
• Sod

Watch the video for a quick tutorial on how to keep your compost cart clean.

Other Cart Tips

A few simple steps will keep your new compost cart clean and reduce potential odors.

• Set out cart every week (even when it's not full). Regular collection will make sure material doesn't sit in your cart too long.
• Line your cart with newspaper or a piece of cardboard to keep material from sticking to the bottom of your cart.
• Store cart in cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
• Place kitchen scraps in layers between grass, leaves or other garden material.
• Use paper bags (not plastic, biodegradable, nor compostable) to keep kitchen scraps contained.

Cart Sizes

Residential customers can request larger cart sizes, if needed. Cart sizes are available in 48, 65 and 95 gallons.

• If your cart needs to be cleaned, rinse out your cart with a hose and dump rinse water out on your lawn (not in a storm drain).

• Compost collection is unlimited. Simply fill your cart first, then place any extra materials in paper leaf bags and set out next to your cart for collection.
• Finished compost is available free to participating residents.
• Only compost program participants receive year-round leaf collection.
• By participating in the compost program, customers receive the lowest rate.
• Compost cart is conveniently serviced the same day as your trash.

What is it?

In addition to our permanent compost pickup sites at the Idaho Botanical Garden and Joplin Road, we offer seasonal community compost giveback to neighborhood leaders, organizations, associations, or simply enthusiastic neighbors the chance to have compost delivered to their neighborhoods.

Applications are closed for the winter season but check back in early spring to apply to receive compost in your neighborhood!

How does it work?

Homeowner’s Associations, Neighborhood Associations, local organizations, and private citizens representing their communities are all welcome to apply below. Applications will be reviewed and the applicant will be notified if they meet the requirements and are approved for the giveaway. The City makes no guarantee that any application will be accepted; approval depends on availability of material and alignment with program requirements.

If approved, the City of Boise will deliver approximately 25 cubic yards of compost at the designated giveback site on the agreed upon date and time.

How much is 25 cubic yards?

For reference, 25 cubic yards of compost measures approximately up to 40ft x 20ft x 10ft (LxWxH). This volume is about the size of a school bus.

The drop off location should be large enough for this amount of material and for the delivery truck to access. The delivery truck will need a turnaround area of at least 70’ with a dumping bay of at least 16’x20’. The truck will need a height clearance of 13’8”.

How do I get approved?

To be approved, all applications must meet the following requirements:

• All neighborhoods must be within the City of Boise limits.
• Compost is for neighborhoods and community groups. The city will not provide compost for any or commercial operations through this program.
• Each neighborhood giveback must have a primary organizer.
• Each neighborhood giveback must designate a site for delivery. The location must not block storm drains, roadways or sidewalks and must be safe for delivery and loading material.
• Applicant must develop a communications strategy to inform community of this opportunity.
• Applicant is responsible for managing giveback safely and responsibly.
• Applicant should have a plan to use any material left over within 72 hours of delivery. The city will not pick up any unused compost.

Are there rules or restrictions?

In order to keep compost giveback safe and fair, there are a few requirements all accepted applicants will need to follow.

• Every primary organizer will need to collect waivers from each individual who takes compost (the City will provide these).
• Compost must be delivered to private property and cleaned up within 72 hours of delivery.
• A minimum of 20 cubic yards will be delivered.
• Individuals are limited to five cubic yards of compost each.
• It is forbidden to sell, re-sell, or trade any goods or services for compost.

For any questions about compost giveback, please complete this contact form or call 208-608-7506.