Compost & Source Reduction

Compost

Subsidized Backyard Compost Bins

View the flyer to learn more about the program. 

Use this form to order a subsidized backyard compost bin through the Transfer Station Action Committee's Home Compost Program. 

CURRENTLY ONLY ACCEPTING PRE-ORDERS. DO NOT SEND PAYMENT. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN BINS ARE READY FOR PAYMENT AND PICKUP.

The resident cost for each bin is $35 (actual cost $65).

Payment is made by check or money order only to "Town of Carlisle" at Town Hall. Check may be brought to the Executive Assistant (2nd floor) or dropped off or mailed to Town Hall attn: Compost Bin, 66 Westford St, Carlisle, MA 01741. 

After payment is received, you will be sent a receipt to be shown at the Transfer Station to pick up your compost bin. 

You may order more than one bin. There are two options of bins, view the comparison sheet here. 

Backyard Composting Educational Resources

• CT DEEP Home Composting Turning Your Spoils to Soil video
• MassDEP's Home Composting & Green Landscaping resources
• MassDEP Infographic Why Should I Compost?
• Home Composting Webinar, 4/21/20: Video: Turn Garbage into Gold Composting at Home 
• MassDEP Home Composting brochure
• MassDEP Composting is Easy poster/flyer
• MassDEP Compost Food Web poster/flyer
• MassDEP Don't Trash Grass brochure
• MassDEP Lawns & Landscapes in Your Watershed

Indoor Composting Educational Resources

• MassDEP Vermicomposting (Worm composting) fact sheet
• MassDEP How to Control Fruit Flies and Fungus Gnats fact sheet
• MassDEP Home Composting Workshops & Demonstrations 
• MassDEP Home Composting presentation outline and script for Teaching Residents About Composting: Outline & Talking Points 
• MassDEP Presentation: Home Composting for Zero Waste, 4/20/21
• Resources for teachers and schools:  THE GREEN TEAM

Reducing Food Waste

Though recycling is preferable to throwing things in the trash, when possible waste can best be reduced at the source by reducing unnecessary consumption. It is estimated that 30% of food is wasted. This food results in environmental damage during production and transport which can be eliminated through a variety of measures.

Many people are confused by the dates placed on food and assume that beyond these dates, food should be discarded. In most cases these food products remain nutritious. Click on the link for detailed information on food safety.

A second strategy is to avoid serving more food than you expect to be consumed. 

Reducing Packaging

Extraneous packaging also results in environmental damage during production and transport and also utilizes precious resources such as water and minerals.

Single use packaging can often be eliminated, sometimes with an additional benefit of cost savings.

• Coffee made from K-cups in a typical household can result in 500-1500 plastic cups placed in the trash each year and is also expensive. Using brewed coffee instead eliminates this packaging, the coffee grinds are compostable (or can be spread in the garden) and also saves money.
• Many food products are available in reusable containers 
• Some coffee/drink retailers will fill a reusable container you bring eliminating disposable packaging
• If you commonly bring home leftovers from a restaurant you might bring your own reusable container
• Read additional information with the League of Women Voters US Food Waste Guide