Food Waste Prevention
Food Scraps Drop-Off Program
Nearly 1 million pounds of food waste goes to the Franklin County landfill every single day.
Food waste in the landfill generates potent methane gas — a powerful greenhouse gas that is a major contributor to climate change. Waste diversion is the most efficient way to reduce the amount of emissions generated by landfills, and to reduce demand for landfill space.
Reducing organic waste, specifically food waste, from entering the landfill is a major goal of the Columbus Climate Action Plan. The plan sets ambitious goas to achieve a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
How to Participate
The free food scraps drop-off collection sites for Columbus residents' use are located at:
- Bill McDonald Athletic Complex, 4990 Olentangy River Rd., 43214
- Dodge Park and Community Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., 43215
- Scioto Southland Park, 3901 Parsons Ave., 43207
- Beatty Park Community Recreation Center, 247 N. Ohio Ave., 43203
- Northeast Park and Howard Recreation Center, 2505 Cassady Ave., 43219
- Linden Park Community Center, 1350 Briarwood Ave., 43211
- Carriage Place Park Community Center, 4900 Sawmill Rd., 43235
Additionally, both Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers accept food scraps. They are located at 2100 Alum Creek Dr., 43207 and 1550 Georgesville Rd., 43228 and are open Tuesday-Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Register here to participate and receive program updates, helpful tips, and more.
- Fruits, vegetables, grains, beans
- Pasta, baked goods
- Coffee grounds, tea (no plastic tea bags)
- Eggs, eggshells, dairy
- Cooked meat, raw meat, bones, seafood, and shellfish in small quantities
- Small amounts of oil or grease
- Soiled non-coated paper/fiber products (napkins, paper)
- ONLY "BPI certified compostable" plastic products (bin liners/bags, cutlery, containers)
No BPI certification = Not Compostable Look for the BPI logo on products.
Watch this video on why only BPI plastics are accepted.
- Non-BPI plastics (cups, cutlery, packaging, etc.)
- Non-compostable packaging with metal, coated paper/fiber products
- Human or pet waste
- Electronics
- Styrofoam
- Personal health care products and pharmaceuticals
- Rocks, stone and glass
If you are in doubt about an item, don't put it in your bucket for drop-off.
What is composting?
Composting is a natural process of recycling organic materials, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. The 2019 Waste Characterization Study in Central Ohio found that food scraps are the largest single materials we throw away. The City of Columbus would rather see these nutrients be composted and returned to the soil.
Learn more about backyard composting here.