Peels & Wheels Composting

What neighborhoods do you serve?

Currently, Peels & Wheels Composting serves the East Rock, Prospect Hill, Wooster Square, Downtown New Haven and Westville neighborhoods in New Haven, as well as Spring Glen and Whitneyville in Hamden. As we grow we will expand to other neighborhoods in our community and eventually collect scraps from farmer’s markets, restaurants, cafes, and offices.

What if I already have a standardized compost bin?

If your bin has a lid and does not exceed 4 gallons in capacity, we will use yours.

Does the program supply liners for the bins?

No. Liners are costly and add waste that we believe is unnecessary. Compostable liners have also been shown to ineffectively biodegrade and hinder the composting process. If you want to use a liner for your convenience you are welcome to do so. But keep in mind that the bins are easy to clean, and liners don’t break down quickly in the composting process.

Is there a referral incentive?

Yes! If you have a pick up service and get a neighbor, relative, or friend to join Peels & Wheels Composting service you will earn one month's credit on your account. Just ask the new composter to mention your name in the “How did you hear about the Peels & Wheels Composting?” field when they sign up.

What materials are acceptable for composting?

Please INCLUDE all organic sources of food (chopped as small as possible!) such as:

• Starches: bread, pastries, pancakes, pasta, rice, beans, crackers and grains
• Fruits and vegetables (table scraps peels and cores) – avoid stickers
• Cheese, yogurt, eggs, eggshells
• Meat, poultry, seafood, bones, table scraps
• Nuts, shells
• Food soiled fibers (paper towels, napkins)
• Cardboard food containers (non-waxy)
• Compostable plates, bowls, cups that do not contain PFAs*
• Coffee grounds, coffee filters, loose tea and tea bags (no staples)
• Wooden coffee stirrers, chopsticks, toothpicks
• Small yard clippings that have not been treated with pesticide, herbicide or fungicide

What materials are unacceptable for composting?

Although compostable, please DO NOT INCLUDE the following:

• Plastic (including plastic wrap, tapes, plastic straw)
• Metal / foil
• Flowers from flower shops or from gardens that use pesticide, herbicide or fungicide
• Grass clippings to which pesticides or fertilizer has been applied
• Stickers
• Rubber bands
• Glass
• Styrofoam
• Waxy paper
• Latex
• Cleaning liquids or soiled materials (clorox, solvents, alcohols, etc.)
• Large amounts of oil, grease, or liquids
• Compostable plates, bowls, or cups that contain PFAs*
• Baby diapers
• Clothing
• Anything else that doesn’t biodegrade

What if my compost bin is full and I have extra scraps?

The success of the compost system depends on properly managing the volume of food waste being produced. If overfull, please try cutting your scraps into smaller pieces so more will fit in the bin. If you regularly produce more scraps than the capacity of the bin we can discuss alternatives, such as a bigger bin or an extra bin (at a cost), on a one-on-one basis.

How can I arrange to get compost?

Once you’ve been a subscriber for at least six months, you are eligible to receive a portion of finished compost twice a year (in the Spring and in the Fall) that will vary up to 3 cubic feet depending on the amount we produce. If you do not need the compost you can donate it to New Haven Farms. When you register, you must let us know if you would like to receive the compost or donate it.

Do I need to be home for pickups?

You do not need to be home for pickups. Just leave your bin outside by 9 a.m. at the location you specified when you registered. We will collect it between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

We’re going out of town. How much notice do you need if I want to suspend service?

We ask for two weeks’ (14 days) notice for service suspension or cancellation. You are able to Skip service days within your account when you are a member.