Greener Glenview launches free drop-off food scrap composting pilot

Local community group Greener Glenview was the recipient of a 2025 Judy Beck Grant for $2,300 to create a free public food scraps composting pilot program with drop-off stations at two locations.

Bins are located at:

• Glenview Public Library (1930 Glenview Road) drive-up entrance at Prairie Street
• Public Works Service Center (2498 East Lake Ave.) across the street from Village Hall

The goals for the pilot program are to divert food waste from landfills, educate residents about composting and demonstrate community support for a composting program.

When food scraps are buried in landfills, their decomposition under anaerobic conditions creates methane, a greenhouse gas that is much more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat over a 20-30 year time frame.

The alternative to putting food scraps in the landfill is to compost them. Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that enriches soil.

The pilot program is working with the Collective Resource Compost Cooperative that will provide five compost bins at each of the two locations. The bins will be picked up weekly and switched out for power-washed bins with fresh liners. All residents in the Village are welcome to drop off food scraps.

Here’s what can go in the bins: (1) meat, chicken, seafood, fish and bones; (2) fruits and vegetables; (3) coffee grounds and tea leaves; (4) dairy products; (5) eggshells; and (6) grains, cereal, and baked goods.

Here’s what CANNOT go in the bins: non-food items including (1) plastic bags (except for BPI compostable certified bags); (2) twist off ties; (3) produce stickers and wrappers; (4) pizza boxes, paper plates, paper cups, juice boxes; (5) plastic cutlery; and (6) liquids. Each drop-off site will provide a garbage can where the non-food scraps can be deposited.

Greener Glenview is asking anyone planning to participate in the drop-off composting program to register at GreenerGlenview.org. Registration isn’t required but it enables Greener Glenview to send program updates and better track community participation.

All participants who register will be invited to pick up five gallons of finished compost at Collective Resource's compost gift-back in spring 2026.

Greener Glenview has planned for the pilot program to run for 12 weeks.