The Detroit Compost Program is a city-run food scrap drop-off initiative that turns household and commercial (Co-Op, Food Commons) food waste into nutrient-rich compost to support local soil health, urban farms, and community gardens. It’s part of the city’s strategy to reduce landfill waste and build a more sustainable food system.

The first phase of the program launched in fall 2025 as a pilot running through spring 2026, servicing 200 Detroit residents.

Composting keeps food waste out of landfills, where it would produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Instead, composting returns nutrients to the soil, improves soil health, and supports sustainable local food systems.

Food scraps are first processed using on-site composting technology to reduce volume and stabilize the material. The material is then transferred to D-Town Farm, where it goes through a 3-bin compost system to finish composting and curing before being applied back to the soil.

Participation in the pilot compost drop-off program is offered at no cost to participants. The first residents to sign up will receive a 5-gallon bucket for collecting food scraps at home.

Detroit residents were invited to sign up and participate in the program pilot. The pilot has reached 200 participants and interested residents are on a waitlist which will be used to invite residents to sign up when the pilot phase ends.

Finished compost is used at D-Town Farm and other local farms and gardens to enrich soil and grow healthy food for the community. A portion will be returned to program participants - details to be announced!

When done correctly, smells from composting are minimal and do not create a nuisance. The system uses aerobic processes and regular management to control odors and maintain a clean, safe environment.