Top Composting & Food Waste in Parker, Colorado Ranked

For restaurant owners and operators in Parker, managing organic waste is no longer just an environmental consideration-it's a legal requirement. Colorado's statewide organic waste diversion law, SB 1383, mandates that commercial entities, including all restaurants, participate in a program to keep food scraps and compostable materials out of landfills. While the Town of Parker itself does not offer a municipal food waste collection service, compliance falls to individual businesses to establish contracts with private waste haulers. This guide will walk you through the essentials of setting up commercial composting, understanding the rules, and finding a service provider that fits your restaurant's specific volume and operational needs.

Navigating this new landscape involves selecting a hauler, understanding container logistics, training your staff on strict contamination protocols, and budgeting for the associated costs. Successful implementation not only keeps your business compliant with state regulations but can also streamline back-of-house operations and align your brand with growing consumer expectations for sustainability. The process is straightforward once you know the key players and requirements.

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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Understanding Colorado's SB 1383 Mandate

The driving force behind commercial food waste recycling in Parker is Colorado Senate Bill 1383. This state law is designed to dramatically reduce the amount of organic material, primarily food waste and yard trimmings, sent to landfills. When organic matter decomposes in a landfill without oxygen, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By diverting these materials to composting facilities or anaerobic digesters, the state aims to cut methane emissions and create beneficial soil amendments.

The law specifically requires all "generators" of organic waste, which unequivocally includes restaurants of any size, to arrange for diversion services. This means you cannot simply throw food scraps in the standard trash bin. You must subscribe to a separate collection service for organic waste. It's important to confirm that any hauler you contract with is providing service that meets the state's compliance standards for SB 1383 ¹. Non-compliance can result in warnings and potential fines, making it crucial to establish a compliant program.

Finding a Service Provider in Parker

Since Parker lacks a municipal program, restaurant owners must contract directly with private waste and recycling companies. The market is served by both national giants and local regional providers. Your first step should be to contact these haulers for a consultation and a formal quote.

• Major National Haulers: Companies like Waste Management (WM) and Republic Services (RS) offer commercial organic waste collection services in the Denver metro area, which includes Parker. They have established routes and can often bundle your trash, recycling, and compost services.
• Local & Regional Haulers: It's also worth investigating local Colorado-based companies such as Trash King or other regional operators. Sometimes, local providers offer more flexible scheduling or competitive pricing ¹.

When you call, be prepared to discuss your restaurant's size, estimated weekly volume of food waste, and your current trash pickup schedule. They will assess your needs and recommend a service level.

Setting Up Your Restaurant's System

A successful food waste diversion program hinges on an efficient internal system. This involves the right containers, a consistent pickup schedule, and thorough staff training.

Container Types and Placement

Haulers typically provide specific carts for curbside or alley collection. The standard for many commercial accounts is a 96-gallon wheeled cart, often colored green or brown, to distinguish it from trash and recycling ^{1 2}. For the kitchen, you will need smaller, lidded pails or bins to collect scraps during food prep and dishwashing. These should be lined with certified compostable bags (never plastic) and placed at key stations like the prep area, dish pit, and expo line.

Pickup Schedule and Logistics

Collection frequency is a critical detail. For most restaurants, weekly pickup of the large outdoor cart is the standard starting point ^{1 2}. However, high-volume establishments or those with limited outdoor storage space may require service two or more times per week. This is a key cost factor and should be discussed in detail with your provider. Ensure the pickup location is accessible for the hauler's truck and that staff knows whose responsibility it is to move the cart to and from the pickup spot.

The Critical Rules: Preventing Contamination

Contamination-putting non-compostable items in the organics cart-is the single biggest challenge for composting programs. Contaminated loads can be rejected by processing facilities, leading to extra fees and wasted effort. A clear, simple guideline for your team is essential.

What CAN go in (typically):

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Meat, bones, and dairy products (confirm with your hauler, as some facilities accept these)
• Bread, grains, and pasta
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Tea bags (without staples)
• Soiled, non-greasy paper products like napkins, paper towels, and uncoated paper takeout containers
• Certified compostable bags and food service ware (look for the BPI logo)

What CANNOT go in (strictly):

• Plastic bags of any kind (even if labeled "biodegradable")
• Liquids, oils, and grease
• Styrofoam
• Glass, metal, or plastic utensils
• Rubber gloves
• Traditional plastic packaging

Cost Considerations for Restaurants

The cost for commercial food waste collection is not fixed and varies based on your restaurant's specific circumstances. You are paying for the rental of the cart, the collection service, and the hauling/processing fees. Always get direct quotes, but you can expect the following general ranges:

• Small Restaurant / Low Volume: A restaurant with lower food waste output might use a 64-gallon cart with weekly pickup. Estimated costs often fall in the range of $70 to $150 per month ^{1 2}.
• Medium to Large Restaurant / High Volume: Busier establishments requiring a 96-gallon cart or multiple pickups per week can expect costs ranging from $150 to over $300 per month ^{1 2}.

These are illustrative figures. Your final price will depend on your chosen hauler, contract terms, the frequency of service, and the volume of material you generate. Some providers may offer a discount for bundling trash, recycling, and compost services together.

Benefits Beyond Compliance

While SB 1383 provides the regulatory impetus, establishing a robust food waste program offers tangible benefits for your restaurant:

• Potential Cost Savings: In some cases, by diverting heavy, wet food waste from your trash bin, you may be able to reduce the size or frequency of your garbage service, offsetting some of the cost of the new compost service.
• Operational Hygiene: Regularly removing food scraps from the kitchen can reduce odors and pest attraction, especially when using sealed indoor containers.
• Brand Enhancement: Demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship resonates powerfully with customers. It's a concrete action you can communicate on your menu, website, and social media.
• Closing the Loop: The compost created from your food waste is used to enrich soils in Colorado, supporting local agriculture and landscaping-a positive local impact you can be proud of.

Getting Started: Your Action Plan

1. Research and Contact: Identify 2-3 haulers that service Parker (e.g., Waste Management, Republic Services, local providers). Visit their websites or call their commercial sales departments.
2. Request a Site Assessment and Quote: Ask for a representative to evaluate your needs. Provide details on your seating capacity, meal volume, and current waste setup.
3. Verify Compliance: Explicitly ask the hauler to confirm that their proposed service satisfies the requirements of Colorado's SB 1383 for commercial organic waste diversion ¹.
4. Plan Your Internal Rollout: Once you select a provider, order the necessary indoor collection pails and compostable liners. Develop a one-page training sheet for staff highlighting what is and is not allowed in the compost bin.
5. Launch and Monitor: Start the service, place clear signage, and monitor the carts for contamination, especially in the first few weeks. Provide feedback and retraining as needed.

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