Compost Program
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Collective composting is a community effort!
About the Program
The City of Detroit has made history with the launch of its first municipal food scrap drop-off program, turning household food waste into nutrient-rich compost to support local soil health and food systems.
Each year, more than 251 million pounds of food are wasted in Detroit — with half of that coming from residential households. As outlined in the Detroit Climate Strategy (DCS), one of the city's top four priorities is to “Accelerate Energy Efficiency and Reduce Waste”. This pilot composting initiative directly supports that goal by demonstrating the environmental and community benefits of diverting food waste from landfills and reducing what enters the city’s municipal waste stream.
The program supports the DCS’s three-year target to divert 15% of waste from landfills, providing a crucial first step toward long-term goals, including:
- Citywide residential composting
- Commercial compost operations
- On-site composting at municipal buildings
- Training health inspectors on food donation and food rescue practices
Quick Links
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Led by the Office of Sustainability’s Urban Agriculture Division, this pilot program represents a commitment to a decentralized composting system that can serve both Detroit residents and the city’s growing network of urban farms. Instead of sending food scraps to landfills — where they produce harmful greenhouse gases — this program empowers residents to turn waste into a resource that supports healthy soil, local food production, and a more sustainable Detroit.
This work is made possible by generous funding from Carhartt, along with key partnerships with Doers Edge LLC, Scrap Soils, and numerous urban farms across the city.
To help residents get started, the first 200 sign-ups received a compost bucket for food scraps to participate in free weekly drops at the Detroit People's Food Co-op.
Note: Sign-ups are currently full. To join the waitlist, please submit your information below.
Drop-Off Information
Detroit People's Food Co-Op
8324 Woodward Ave,
Detroit, MI 48202
Drop-Off Times
Thursdays 4pm-7pm
Saturdays 9am-Noon
Dos and Don'ts
The list below outlines the materials accepted and not accepted in the City of Detroit's compost drop-off program.
Dos
- Fruit & vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Unbleached napkins, paper towels & rolls
Don'ts
- Plastic
- Styrofoam
- Produce stickers, twist ties, staples
- Compostable dishware
- Animal waste
- Meat & bones
- Grease, fats, oil
- Weeds
- Diseased plant material
How It’s Composted
Certified Detroit compost system info, D-Town Farms
Coming December 2025
The City of Detroit's compost program turns food scraps into a valuable resource for local farms and gardens. By processing organic waste locally, the program produces nutrient-rich compost soil amendments that help boost soil health and support sustainable food production. This initiative not only reduces waste but also contributes to the vitality of urban agriculture in Detroit, creating a positive cycle of local growth, nourishment, and community resilience.
Your Engagement Matters
The Detroit Compost Program is currently a pilot initiative funded by Carhartt, and your feedback plays a vital role in shaping its future.
We encourage all participants to use their voice to help guide the direction of this program. Let city leaders — including City Council members, CPC Commissioners, and Department heads — know if composting is something you value and want to see expanded across Detroit. Your input helps us improve.
Share your feedback with the Office of Sustainability email:
[email protected]
History of Composting in Detroit
Detroit's journey in urban agriculture spans from the early 20th-century Potato Patch Farms to the 19170s Farm-A-Lot Program. Today, with over 2,200 gardens and farmst Detroit is a global leader in transforming vacant lots into vibrant, food-secure neighborhoods. These efforts provide fresh produce, strengthen community ties, promote environmental stewardship, and drive economic growth, showcasing resilience and innovation in urban food systems. Click the link below to see the historical timeline.
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