Top Composting & Food Waste in Commerce City, Colorado Ranked

For restaurants and food service businesses in Commerce City, managing organic waste is no longer just an operational task-it's a key component of environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance. Implementing a commercial food waste recycling program helps divert significant material from landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and can align with Colorado's broader waste diversion goals. The process involves partnering with a licensed hauler, using designated containers, and adhering to strict guidelines on what can and cannot be composted to ensure the integrity of the finished product. Getting started is a straightforward process of assessing your waste stream and contacting local service providers for a customized quote.

Wompost

11881 E 33rd Ave D, Aurora, CO 80010

Wompost is a compost collection and delivery service based in Aurora, Colorado, serving Denver and surrounding areas. They specialize in food waste and yard waste composting for homes and businesses, offering weekly pickup and convenient drop-off options. Wompost collects biodegradable waste and returns finished compost soil to customers, helping to recycle organic materials and reduce landfill waste. The company supports carbon farming projects in Colorado and promotes sustainable composting practices within the community. Wompost is women-owned and focuses on making composting accessible and straightforward for its customers.

5.0

132 Reviews

A1 Organics

9109 Monaco St, Henderson, CO 80640

A1 Organics is a family-owned business based in Aurora, CO, specializing in organic recycling and composting services. Since 1974, they have provided commercial landscapers, municipalities, and institutions with certified compost, premium mulches, and organic soil blends. The company operates multiple facilities along the Front Range, including Eaton, Keenesburg, Commerce City, and Englewood, and diverts over 525,000 tons of waste annually from Colorado landfills. A1 Organics also collects used cooking oil and liquid food residuals, recycling 34 million gallons each year. Their certified compost products are STA Certified® and OMRI® Listed, supporting sustainable landscaping and agriculture in the region.

3.5

46 Reviews

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Why Commercial Organics Recycling Matters in Commerce City

Diverting food scraps and other compostable materials is a critical step for sustainability. When organic waste like food ends up in a landfill, it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By contrast, commercial composting processes this material aerobically, turning it into a valuable soil amendment. For businesses, a well-run organics diversion program can also provide insights into purchasing and preparation practices, potentially reducing overall waste and associated disposal costs. Furthermore, Colorado has established waste diversion targets, and commercial organics recycling is a significant pathway for businesses to contribute to these state-wide efforts ¹.

Local Service Providers for Food Waste Collection

Commerce City businesses have access to professional haulers specializing in commercial organics collection.

• Waste Management (WM): A primary provider in the area, WM offers comprehensive commercial organics services tailored for restaurants and institutions. They provide the necessary containers and scheduled pickups to integrate seamlessly into your back-of-house operations ².
• Other Local Haulers: Providers like RoadRunner also service Commerce City for commercial waste and recycling and are likely to offer organics collection services as part of their suite of offerings. It's advisable to contact multiple providers to compare service plans and costs ³.

What Can and Cannot Go in Your Commercial Compost Bin

Adhering to contamination guidelines is essential for a successful program. Contaminated loads can be rejected, leading to potential fees and wasted effort.

Accepted Food Scraps & Materials:

• Fruits and vegetables (including pits and peels)
• Meat, fish, and bones
• Dairy products and eggs
• Bread, pasta, and other bakery items
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Tea bags (staples removed)
• Compostable bags and serviceware (must be certified compostable, BPI-approved) ^{2 4}.

Common Contaminants to Exclude:

• Trash: Plastic wrappers, rubber bands, foil.
• Recyclables: Glass, metal, plastic bottles, or containers destined for standard recycling.
• Liquids: Oils, soups, beverages.
• Other: Soil, rocks, animal waste, chemically-treated wood, palm fronds, or any non-organic material ^{2 4 5}.

Pro Tip: Using certified compostable liners in your kitchen collection pails and the larger outdoor bin can significantly reduce mess and simplify the process for your staff.

Container Options and Pickup Schedules

Service providers offer flexibility to match your business's volume and space constraints.

• Container Sizes: Common options include 64-gallon wheeled carts or larger 2-cubic-yard dumpster-style bins. The right size depends on your weekly food scrap output and available space in your alley or service area ².
• Service Frequency: Pickup schedules can be arranged up to three times per week, ensuring that organic waste, especially perishables, is removed promptly to maintain cleanliness and control odors ².
• Additional Services: For added security or to prevent unauthorized dumping, some providers offer locked bins or "push-out" services for an extra fee, where the driver moves the container to the curb for you ².

Understanding Costs and Getting a Quote

The cost for commercial food waste collection is not one-size-fits-all; it varies based on your specific needs. Monthly fees are typically influenced by:

• The size and type of container you select.
• The frequency of pickup (e.g., daily, three times per week, weekly).
• Your location and any additional service requests (like locked bins).
• The volume of material you generate.

Because pricing is customized, you will need to contact providers like Waste Management or RoadRunner directly for a detailed quote based on a assessment of your business ².

Compliance and Regulations for Colorado Businesses

While specific mandatory commercial organics recycling ordinances can vary by municipality, Colorado has statewide goals and frameworks for waste diversion. Businesses, especially those in the food service sector, are often key targets for these programs. Some regulations may require businesses above a certain size or waste generation threshold to arrange for organics recycling services. Exemptions might be considered if a business can demonstrate minimal organic waste generation or a complete lack of space for an additional container, though such exemptions are less common for restaurants ^{1 6 7}. Staying informed through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is recommended for the latest regulatory guidance ^{8 9}.

Steps to Launch Your Program

1. Conduct a Waste Audit: Spend a week observing what ends up in your trash. This will help you estimate the volume of compostable material and choose the right container size.
2. Contact Service Providers: Reach out to local haulers like Waste Management or RoadRunner to discuss your needs and request a formal quote ^{2 3}.
3. Educate Your Team: Successful implementation depends on staff buy-in. Hold a training session to explain what is compostable, what is not, and why it matters. Clear signage in English and Spanish at collection points is invaluable.
4. Set Up Collection Stations: Place small, lined collection pails in food prep and dishwashing areas. Ensure your outdoor compost container is clearly labeled and easily accessible for both staff and the hauler.
5. Utilize Local Resources: Organizations like Eco-Cycle provide excellent, Front Range-specific guidelines and bilingual resources to help restaurants set up and maintain effective composting programs ¹⁰.

Frequently asked questions

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