What is Composting?
Composting is the natural process of turning organic matter—like food scraps and yard waste—into nutrient-rich soil. Instead of sending waste to landfills, composting transforms it into a valuable resource for gardens, farms, and landscapes.
Between 30-47% of our town’s trash is compostable. And with Massachusetts’ landfills almost at capacity, now is the time to start composting!
Benefits of Composting
- Reduces your carbon footprint – Lowers greenhouse gas emissions by keeping organic waste out of landfills.
- Turns waste into a valuable resource – Transforms food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost that benefits the planet.
- Captures and stores carbon – Helps sequester carbon in the soil, reducing its presence in the atmosphere.
- Improves soil health & prevents erosion – Enhances soil structure, retains moisture, and aids in stormwater management.
- Boosts plant growth – Enriches soil with nutrients, allowing plants to thrive naturally.
Composting has never been easier—or cleaner! With Black Earth Compost, you can recycle your food scraps hassle-free. Just collect your compostable waste in a Black Earth bin, and pull the bin out on trash day. That’s it! No mess, no smell!
Special Offer for Newton Residents:
Get a FREE starter kit, including a compost bin and two rolls of compostable bags, for a limited time!
Plans range from $8.99 to $11.99/month, depending on your service level.
What Can You Compost with Black Earth?
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Meat, Bones & Seafood
- Eggshells & Dairy Products
- Pasta, Grains & Bread
- Cake, Candy & Baked Goods
- House plants and flowers
- and more!
Ready to turn your food waste into nutrient-rich compost?
Newton’s Composting Impact:
Newton is leading the way in sustainability! Over 3,000 households are already composting with Black Earth! In 2024, Newton residents composted an incredible 726 tons of food waste—that’s the equivalent of 80 full garbage trucks diverted from landfills.
But it’s not just households making an impact—local businesses and restaurants like Johnny’s Luncheonette, Jinny’s Pizzeria, Sycamore, and Little Big Diner, are stepping up, too! Many of your favorite spots in Newton are composting with Black Earth, keeping even more waste out of landfills and contributing to a cleaner, greener city.
Other Ways to Compost:
BLACK EARTH DROP OFF BINS
If you’re not sure about composting at home, try a drop off bin for free! There are four Black Earth drop off bins in Newton. It’s a convenient way to test the waters and see how easy composting really is!
APARTMENT COMPOSTING
Black Earth offers a 4-gallon bin, perfect for smaller spaces. If your apartment building has a visible and accessible location for pick-ups, you should be able to compost with Black Earth.
BACKYARD COMPOSTING
If you have outdoor space, backyard composting is a great way to convert food waste into nutrient-rich soil. It requires a compost bin or pile, regular turning, and a balance of green and brown materials to break down properly.
Additional Resources
Tune in to the Green Newton Exchange Podcast! In this episode we chat with Conor Miller, CEO of Black Earth Compost, about sustainability, composting, and the future of waste management
Recently on Twitter