Food Scraps and Food-Soiled Paper Recycling

Anne Arundel County Waste Management Services accepts food scraps and food-soiled paper at all County Recycling Centers for Organics Recycling. Items collected within the Organics Recycling program are delivered to a tier-2 composting facility.

Two green carts used for collecting food scraps and a yellow food scraps sign.

Reduce waste and help make compost in three easy steps:

  1. Collect. A countertop compost bin is a great tool for this program. Chopping up scraps will help fit more food into your bin!
  2. Fill. Whenever your countertop container is full, empty it into a larger reusable container with a tight-fitted lid.  A 5-gallon bucket works great!
  3. Drop-off. Empty your reusable container into the designated collection carts located at a County Recycling Center near you. Food scraps and food-soiled paper must be placed loosely in collection carts.  Remember only food and food-soiled paper are allowed - no plastic, no metal, no glass. 

Questions?

Interested in a sticker for your collection bin? Call the Recycling Division at (410)222-7951

The following items must be placed loosely in organic recycling collection carts available at County Recycling Centers- no bags. 
Food Scraps
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Bread and Pasta NO raw dough
  • Meat and Bones
  • Eggs and Eggshells
  • Dairy Items: Milk, Butter, and Cheese No containers
  • Coffee and Tea grounds, loose tea, tea bags, and filters- NO coffee pods
  • Seafood including shellfish
  • Leftover and Spoiled Food
Soiled Paper
  • Pizza Boxes
  • Cardboard Produce Boxes
  • Paper Ice Cream Containers
  • Paper Towels and Napkins from the kitchen only
  • Paper Plates compostable
  • Food-Soiled Newspaper
  • Uncoated Paper Bags with Food Scraps
The following items are NOT accepted for Organics Recycling at County Recycling Centers.
  • No Plastic 
  • No Containers
  • No Cans
  • No Aluminum Foil or Pans
  • No Glass
  • No Styrofoam
  • No Grease or Fats
  • No Pet Waste
  • No Diapers
  • No Facial or Bathroom Tissue
  • No Foil or Plastic-Backed Paper
  • No Compostable Bags
  • No Compostable Tableware
  • No Household Trash or Litter

Anne Arundel County Waste Management Services does not provide curbside collection of separated food scraps materials.

For a list of private companies that specialize in the curbside collection of food scraps and food-soiled paper materials please visit our Non-County Recycling Outlets page to find a company that provides curbside food scrap collection.

Businesses seeking food and organics recycling options should visit: MDRecycles.org - Food Waste and Organics Recycling Resources.

For more information on organics recycling and food residuals diversion in the state of Maryland please visit Maryland Department of the Environment.

Are you interested in giving backyard composting a try?

Backyard Composting kits are normally available for pickup (residential curbside customers only) at the Central Recycling Center, Southern Recycling Center, and the Recycling and Waste Reduction Division (restricted access-must call ahead to 410-222-7951). Kits are not available at the Northern Recycling Center. View Facility Hours and Locations

Composting has several benefits:

  • Prevents useful material from your yard and kitchen from being wasted in a landfill
  • Reduces the amount of material being landfilled
  • Reduces yard work and the expense of store bought soils and fertilizers
  • Enhances the growth of flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and houseplants.
  • Replaces nutrients in the soil, improves moisture retention, moderates temperatures, controls weeds, and decreases soil erosion

Learn more about Backyard Composting Kits, and how to get started.