Page last updated on July 24, 2026 at 12:46 pm
Composting is a fantastic way to reduce food waste and cut your household emissions.
This page contains information you may need to get started with composting. Composting reduces food waste and diverts it from the landfill, where it would otherwise decompose and emit greenhouse gas emissions, while also providing valuable nutrients for yards, gardens, and other soils.
Local educational resources and events
The Waste Reduction District of Monroe County offers resources on how to compost and periodically offers compost bin sales and community events.
The Bloomington-based nonprofit GardenQuest regularly offers workshops on food waste fermentation using the bokashi method. They assist with DIY food waste collection kits. Check their calendar for upcoming events. GardenQuest also specializes in urban agriculture education.
The Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District provides information on composting and also periodically offers workshops.
The Monroe County Purdue Extension has staff who provide technical assistance to local agricultural businesses who may want to incorporate composting on-site.
There are currently no dedicated food scrap collection services in Bloomington. Local drop-off of yard waste is accepted at Good Earth and Topsoil Composting Service.
If your neighborhood or apartment complex is interested in starting communal food waste collection and composting, the Sustainable Neighborhoods Grant is a source of financial support.
Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any suggestions to update this webpage with more information or resources.