Food Waste
Food waste and other organics make up to 40% of household waste. Residents can reduce the amount of trash generated each week by composting food waste and other organics.
5 Reasons to Compost Flyer (PDF)
NEW! Food Waste Drop-off Pilot Program
Public Works is looking for 100 households interested in diverting their food waste from the trash, but for whom backyard composting is not a viable option or curbside service presents a financial hardship.
- Review the acceptable materials list by clicking here.
- Interested residents should fill out the online interest form.
- Once the form is submitted, you will receive an email with additional information about the program and when you can begin to drop off food waste and other compostable materials.
This food waste drop-off program is funded by the MassDEP Recycling Dividends grant program.
Curbside Service
Two companies provide private curbside subscription services to Bedford residents. Click the links below to learn more.
- Black Earth Compost
- How does Curbside Composting work? What can I put in the green bin?
- When subscribing, use "Bedford High School" or "JGMS" in the referral field and Black Earth will donate $10 to Bedford Public Schools food waste program. View the flyer by clicking here (PDF)
- For a limited time, the Department of Public Works is offering a free curbside starter kit to any Bedford resident who signs up for subscription service with Black Earth Compost. The Starter Kit includes a 13-gallon wheeled cart and a roll of compostable liners. Residents can sign up for service at www.blackearthcompost.com
- After subscribing, residents can pick up the Starter Kit at the DPW building, 314 Great Rd, during business hours. Please bring your email confirmation of new subscription service when picking up your kit.
- Bootstrap Compost
Compost at Home
Backyard compost bins are available for Bedford residents at $45 each.
To order, contact Liz Antanavica or stop by the DPW during business hours. Checks should be made payable to "Town of Bedford". The New Age Compost bin is easy to assemble. For video instructions, visit the Get a Low-Cost Compost Bin Massachusetts page.
View the Compost Brochure, MassDEP (PDF)