Why Compost?
In 2018 the EPA estimated that discarded food composed 22% of the total US waste stream, and yard trimmings composed an additional 12%.
Much of this material readily decomposes as that head of lettuce quickly turning to brown sludge in the back of your fridge illustrates, meaning with a little know-how and work, a third of US waste can be diverted from landfills through composting.
Composting diverts organic material from landfills using natural processes to turn discarded material into a valuable resource. Adding compost to yards and gardens supplements needed nutrients and aids in water retention cheaply. The resulting healthy soil is a carbon sink trapping CO2 in vegetation and roots.
Residential Compost
Currently, Vail Honeywagon manages residential composting in Eagle County through a monthly membership program offering access to secure drop-off sites located throughout the Eagle Valley and a limited Curbside Collection Pilot Program (https://lovevail.org/compost/) for residents in select West Vail neighborhoods. Contact Vail Honeywagon Residential Services for a quote or to learn more.
Participants can sign up for a monthly membership through Vail Honeywagon
Yard Waste
- Avon: Property owners and landscapers should take yard waste to the Eagle County Landfill or compost it on the property. https://www.avon.org/Faq.aspx?QID=218
- Cordillera: Homeowners are responsible for the removal and disposal of yard debris and yard waste generated from the homeowner’s property. https://cordilleraliving.com/services/trash-recycling/
- Eagle: The Town of Eagle's Yard Waste Service is offered exclusively to the Town's Trash Customers. This service allows customers to drop off yard waste locally and helps to eliminate the need to bring these materials to the landfill. A fee of $2.00 per month is assessed for each unit within the Town of Eagle with trash service. For additional information, please call 970-328-6678. https://www.townofeagle.org/550/Yard-Waste-Facility
- Gypsum: Yard waste is an “additional pickup.” Additional/oversized trash pickup service is available and will be charged in addition to your monthly fee. Weeds and grass clippings must be bagged. No tree branches are accepted. https://www.townofgypsum.com/community/utilities-public-works/trash
- Vail: Yard waste collection is available if you receive curbside pickup. Contact Vail Honeywagon for more information. https://www.vailgov.com/government/departments/environmental-sustainability/waste-wizard#!rc-cpage=292347