Food Scraps Compost Drop-Off

The City of Rockville is piloting a food scraps drop-off program to make composting easy, keep valuable materials out of landfills, and reduce excessive greenhouse gas emissions. Rockville residents can drop off food scraps in the designated green bins at the drop off area at the city’s Maintenance Facility at 14625 Rothgeb Drive. The site is accessible 24/7 and the service is free of charge. The food scraps will be picked up weekly by a commercial contractor and delivered to the Prince George’s County Organic Compost Facility.

Still have questions? Contact:

Food Scraps Drop-Off Program
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240-314-8872
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foodscraps@rockvillemd.gov
  • Map of Food Scraps Drop-off Location Opens in new window
  • Sign and bins for the food scraps drop-off

How To Use The Food Scraps Drop-Off

  1. Place food scraps in a container (empty coffee containers with sealing lids are great for this). Be sure to separate out any plastic or other trash.
  2. Bring your full container and empty it into the designated bins at the Food Scraps Drop-Off area at the city’s Maintenance Facility at 14625 Rothgeb Drive. See the map above showing the drop-off location.
  3. Rinse your container and repeat!

What Food Scraps Can I Drop-Off?

YES!

  • Fruits & vegetables
  • Coffee grounds & tea leaves
  • Dry goods (bread, pasta, nuts, rice & grains)
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs & egg shells
  • Meat, fish, poultry & bones (cooked)
  • Food soiled paper products (napkins, paper towels, teabags, coffee filters, pizza boxes)
  • BPI certified compostable paper and plastic cups, plates, bowls, utensils, etc.
  • House plant trimming and flowers
  • Hair clippings

NO!

  • Plastic or Styrofoam products of any kind
  • Yard/garden waste (leaves, branches etc.)
  • Pet waste or cat litter
  • Diapers, sanitary products, baby wipes
  • Oyster or clam shells
  • Candles, synthetic corks and gum
  • Grease, fats, oils
  • Ash from wood or charcoal
  • Dental floss, q-tips, dryer lint sheets
  • Dead animals

Tips for Composting

  • Compostable or paper bags containing food scraps are accepted. *Please note that compostable bags are permitted because the material will be industrially composted. Not all compostable bags are approved for backyard composting.
  • Commercial food scraps are not accepted. Businesses should contact a local waste hauler who provides this service.
  • Remember, if you are in doubt, THROW IT OUT!
  • For questions about whether specific items are compostable that are not listed above, please email foodscraps@rockvillemd.gov