Top Composting & Food Waste in Bellevue, Washington Ranked

For restaurants and food service businesses in Bellevue, managing organic waste is not just an environmental responsibility-it's a streamlined, cost-effective component of city services. Bellevue's commercial organics recycling program is designed to help businesses, including eateries of all sizes, divert food scraps and compostable materials from the landfill efficiently. The city, in partnership with Republic Services, offers a robust framework that makes participation straightforward, often with significant cost benefits for establishments that generate substantial food waste. By integrating food scrap collection into your waste management plan, you can reduce your garbage volume, potentially lower disposal costs, and contribute to the creation of nutrient-rich compost for local soils. This guide details how to set up, maintain, and optimize your commercial composting and food waste diversion in Bellevue.

Cedar Grove Composting

21902 76th Dr SE, Woodinville, WA 98072

Cedar Grove Composting is based in Bothell, WA, specializing in food waste and composting services for restaurants and other clients. They recycle large amounts of yard and food waste into compost annually, serving the Puget Sound region with delivery options and retail sales of bulk soil and landscape materials. The company also offers compostable packaging products for commercial and residential use. Delivery services include options for shared pickups within a two-mile radius, with additional blower and slinger truck services available through third parties.

4.2

26 Reviews

Cedar Grove Composting

3620 36th Pl NE, Everett, WA 98201

Cedar Grove Composting in Everett, WA specializes in food waste and composting services for restaurants and other commercial clients. They recycle large volumes of yard and food waste into compost annually and offer bulk soil, organics, and landscape materials available for delivery or retail purchase. Their service area includes the Puget Sound region, with options for shared services within a 2-mile radius. They also provide compostable packaging products for both commercial and residential use.

4.2

23 Reviews

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Understanding Bellevue's Commercial Organics Program

Bellevue's program for businesses is structured to encourage high diversion rates. The core offering provides free commercial composting (organics) service with up to two 96-gallon carts for every garbage container you have ^{1 2}. This means if your restaurant has one 96-gallon garbage cart, you are eligible for two 96-gallon organics carts at no additional charge beyond your base utility service. This policy recognizes that food-service businesses typically generate a higher volume of compostable material than regular trash. The service is provided weekly by Republic Services, the city's contracted hauler ^{1 3}. The goal is to make it economically sensible for businesses to separate their food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard debris.

Eligibility and Enrollment: All businesses operating within Bellevue city limits are eligible for this service ^{1 2}. There is no need for a separate subscription for the base level of organics collection; it is integrated into the city's solid waste utility services. To start or modify your service, you contact Republic Services directly. They can provide the necessary carts, deliver indoor collection containers, and offer guidance tailored to your kitchen's layout and waste generation patterns ^{3 4}.

What Goes In Your Compost Cart

Proper sorting is critical to the success of the organics recycling stream. Contamination, especially from plastic bags, can render a load of compost unusable. Knowing exactly what is accepted will help your staff sort correctly and avoid service issues.

Accepted Materials (YES):

• All food scraps: This includes fruits, vegetables, meat, bones, fish, dairy, eggs, bread, and coffee grounds with filters.
• Food-soiled paper: Paper napkins, paper towels, uncoated paper plates, pizza boxes (grease-stained portions), and paper take-out containers that are not plastic-coated.
• Yard debris: Leaves, grass clippings, and plant trimmings from your property ¹.

Strictly Prohibited Materials (NO):

• Plastic bags: This is the most important rule. Do not use standard plastic bags to line your indoor or outdoor compost containers. They are not accepted in the compost cart ¹.
• Plastic of any kind: Utensils, wrappers, packaging, or containers.
• Glass, metal, or other recyclables.
• Liquids or cooking oils.
• Pet waste or diapers.

For indoor collection, use small containers lined with paper bags or Cedar Grove-approved compostable bags ^{1 2}. Cedar Grove is the regional composting facility that processes Bellevue's organics, and they certify specific bag brands that will fully break down in their system.

Setting Up Your Kitchen for Success

An efficient back-of-house system is the foundation of effective food waste diversion. The key is to make it as easy for your staff to compost as it is to throw something away.

1. Placement: Position small, lidded compost collection containers at every key prep station, dishwashing area, and near where food waste is generated (e.g., vegetable prep sinks, behind the cook line).
2. Liners: Line these containers with either plain paper bags (like a small grocery bag) or certified compostable bags. Clearly label bins with graphics or simple text (e.g., "Food Scraps & Compostables Only").
3. Transfer to Outdoor Carts: Designate a staff member to regularly transfer the contents of the indoor bins to the large, wheeled 96-gallon organics carts provided by Republic Services. Remember, no plastic bags should go into the outdoor cart-dump the contents of the paper or compostable liner directly into the cart.
4. Handling Excess: For periods of high volume, such as seasonal events or large prep days, you can use cardboard boxes or large kraft paper bags for extra organics ¹. These can be placed next to your compost cart on collection day.

Service Levels, Schedules, and Associated Costs

The base commercial organics service in Bellevue is designed to be generous. Your weekly pickup includes unlimited recycling and up to two 96-gallon compost carts per garbage container at no extra fee, as this is often covered within your standard utility bill ^{1 2 3}.

• Base Service: Weekly pickup of your allocated compost and recycling carts.
• Extra Service Needs: If your restaurant consistently generates more than 192 gallons of organics per week (the total capacity from two carts), you can request additional carts or more frequent pickups. However, these extra services will incur additional fees ^{1 2 3}. It's advisable to monitor your volume for a few weeks before requesting an upgrade.
• Collection Schedule: Specific pickup days are determined by your location. Republic Services can provide your exact schedule. Ensure your carts are placed at the curb or in the designated service area by 7:00 AM on your collection day.

Avoiding Contamination and Troubleshooting

Contamination is the primary challenge for organics programs. A single plastic bag can cause problems at the processing facility. Republic Services may issue contamination notices or, in cases of repeated issues, may refuse to collect a contaminated cart. To avoid this:

• Train Staff Thoroughly: Conduct regular training sessions and post clear signage above bins showing what is and is not allowed.
• Perform Spot Checks: Kitchen managers should periodically check the contents of the outdoor compost cart before pickup to ensure it's clean.
• Communicate with Your Hauler: If you receive a contamination notice or have questions, contact Republic Services promptly. They can provide additional resources or training for your team ^{3 4}.

Beyond Basic Collection: Grease Trap and Cooking Oil Management

While the city's organics program handles solid food waste, restaurants must also manage liquid fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to prevent sewer line blockages. This typically involves two separate services:

1. Grease Trap Cleaning: Interceptors must be pumped regularly by a licensed service provider. This is not part of the city's curbside collection.
2. Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Collection: Many providers will collect UCO for free or even pay for it, as it is recycled into biodiesel or other products. This service is also arranged privately.

Managing these streams effectively completes your restaurant's comprehensive waste diversion and utility protection strategy.

Resources and Getting Personalized Help

Bellevue and Republic Services offer direct support to help businesses succeed.

• For Service Changes or New Carts: Contact Republic Services at (425) 646-2492.
• For Program Information and Guidance: Reach out to the City of Bellevue Utilities Department via email at recycle@bellevuewa.gov or visit their solid waste web pages ^{3 4}.
• Educational Materials: The city provides printable guides and posters to help train your staff, available on the BellevueWA.gov website ^{1 3}.

Implementing a diligent organics recycling program is a clear win for Bellevue restaurants. It aligns with community sustainability values, can streamline waste operations, and turns what was once trash into a valuable resource for local agriculture and landscaping.

Frequently asked questions

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