Home Composting Rebates
For years, states have been creating various initiatives to promote sustainability in their communities. The list is long, substantial and it varies by state, city, and county. Although similar, not one program is the same. However, reducing organic waste has become one common priority addressed by all, and thus, the reason for this informative article. Mostly known as zero-waste and/or Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) initiatives, many states, counties, and cities have programs in place that offer residents ways to recycle organic waste via community composting, collection services, drop-off sites and home composting.
These programs aim to reduce organic waste from reaching our landfills and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions (methane) which constitute 40% of our nation’s solid waste stream. This average is growing every year at an average of 2.8% (EPA).
Before we go further, I want to emphasize that the purpose of this article is solely an awareness campaign that aims to: 1) Inform of composting programs available on different US states, cities and counties;  2) Encourage residents of areas not (yet) included on this page to inquire what initiatives are available to them and let us know of any that we are missing, so that we can include to inform other citizens that can benefit; and lastly 3) Encourage residents to speak with their local organizations and promote valuable programs and most efficient alternatives that better fit their needs and lifestyles.
Why is composting at home being considered as the most economically and efficient option?
Governments have found that home composting is a great way to reduce your trash, grow healthy plants, reduce chemical use, protect groundwater, and save money by reducing costs related to collection and transportation. Indeed, home-composting have been found to be cost-effective with savings of approximately $23 per ton in reduced collection costs and $32 per ton in reduced disposal costs. The total net benefit is approximately $43-$44 per ton of solid waste.
The following is an overview of possible benefits: 1) For communities, they can save money by not having to collect or process organic waste; and 2) For residents, they can save on waste collection fees in areas where local governments-based collection fees on volume or weight of materials disposed. Additionally, backyard composting also reduces the need for municipal composting sites and delays the need for more landfill space or incinerator capacity.
To promote home composting, some localities offer discounted composters, composters for free, and rebates that allow residents to choose a composter that best fit their requirements and lifestyles.
List of Known Home Composting Programs by State, City and County. This is an on-going list of available programs, and it will be updated regularly in behalf of our readership. We encourage you to help us to grow this list by emailing new information to community@hotbincomposting.comÂ
YTD list alphabetically sorted by State, City and County
|
State |
City/County |
Info |
Contact Info |
Summary of Program |
|
AZ |
Flagstaff |
Program Rebates up to a maximum of $100.00 are available to purchase prefabricated chicken coops, composters, or both. Applicants must be City of Flagstaff (COF) residents |
||
|
CA |
Oxnard (Ventura County) |
 |
Email |
The City of Oxnard offers recycled plastic compost bins for $30. Limit one per household. For Oxnard residents only. |
|
CA |
City of Santa Cruz |
 |
The City of Santa Cruz will give you a $40 rebate when you purchase a city approved compost bin or worm bin |
|
|
CA |
Rancho Palos Verdes |
 |
The City of RPV offers RPV residents a rebate on the purchase price of any new composting bin or worm bin. There is a limit of one rebate per RPV household. Rebates cover the cost of one bin priced up to a maximum of $70 (e.g., there is a $40 rebate for a bin costing $40, there is a $70 rebate for a $130 bin). You may purchase a discounted bin at a workshop. Obtain a receipt to properly submit your rebate request. |
|
|
CA |
Woodlands |
Rebate Application |
City offer a rebate of up to $100 for composting bins including our HOTBIN. Only need to apply for the funds and submit receipt of purchase. |
|
|
CO |
City of Ames (Story County resident) |
 |
Rebate maximum of $50. Participant must be Story County resident whose trash carrier hauls to City of Ames Resource Recovery Plant. This cost share excludes residents living in the City of Collins and City of Colo whose trash is not disposed of at Ames Resource Recovery Plant |
|
|
FL |
Melbourne |
The City of Melbourne is offering a limited composter rebate program on a first come, first-served basis. One $50 rebate is provided per Melbourne water customer for purchasing and installing a composter that has at least a 30-gallon capacity. Rebates are available until budgeted rebate funds are depleted or until September 30, 2022, whichever comes first. The number of rebates available each fiscal year depends on that year’s budgeted funding level. |
||
|
FL |
Tamarac |
Application |
Residents who have recently purchased eligible composting equipment may qualify for a $50 rebate through the Tamarac Compost Rebate Program. Tamarac’s Compost Rebate Program allows residents to choose the composting unit suited for their household. For example, single-family homeowners may opt for an outdoor unit, while multifamily residents may purchase a counter-top unit. |
|
|
IL |
Chicago |
Composting hotline 773.265.9587 |
50% off (up to $50) any locally purchased compost bin! All you must do is fill out the attached rebate form and send it in with your original purchase receipt. See rebate form (attached) for more details |
|
|
IA |
Belle Plaine (near Cedar Rapids and Des Moines |
 |
Belle Plaine owner-occupied households qualify for a $75 rebate toward the purchase of a compost bin, tumbler, other composting container, or the supplies to build a compost bin. To qualify for the rebate program, you must be able to provide proof of purchase dated after October 21, 2020. If you build a compost bin, a photo of the structure in addition to proof of purchase for supplies is required to qualify for the rebate. Supplies include building materials only, not tools. The full rebate will be provided if the total cost of the bin or building supplies exceed $75. |
|
|
IA |
City of Ames (Story County residents) |
 |
Rebate maximum of $50. Participant must be Story County resident whose trash carrier hauls to City of Ames Resource Recovery Plant. This cost share excludes residents living in the City of Collins and City of Colo whose trash is not disposed of at Ames Resource Recovery Plant |
|
|
KS |
Merriam |
Email |
Merriam offers rebate to encourage backyard compost $40 rebate Information page if attend workshop can receive a rebate of up to $75. Applications will be accepted from January 3, 2022 to October 31, 2022. |
|
|
OH |
Exley, Columbus, Canal, Winchester, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview, Grove City, Hilliard, New Albany, Obetz, Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Worthington, Unincorporated Franklin County Townships. |
(614) 486-9613 |
Ohio residents can earn up to $50 for your yard by participating in the online course and quiz or attending a live workshop. After participation, you will receive a voucher with details on your eligible rebate items and how to redeem your rebate. Due to the amount of participation, vouchers are offered on a first come, first-served basis and expire within 30 days. Vouchers are limited to ONE voucher per household per year. |
|
|
TX |
Austin |
 |
The city of Austin Texas offers an up to $75 coupon/rebate for the purchase of a composter bin. To qualify, attend a free composting class in the community or watch a class online. Then apply! |
|
|
WA |
District of Colombia (DC) |
District of Columbia residents can earn a maximum rebate of $75 on a home composting system through the Department of Public Works’ Home Composting Program. The exact amount of the rebate is determined by a sliding-scale. The rebate amount is subject to change on October 1 of each year. |
Â
Â