Decatur Launches Curbside Composting Program

New service will turn local food scraps into compost for area farms and gardens

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:52am

A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print depicting a repeating pattern of a compost bin in shades of neon green, orange, and blue, conceptually representing Decatur's new curbside composting initiative.Decatur's new curbside composting program aims to turn residents' food scraps into nutrient-rich soil for local farms and gardens.Decatur Today

Decatur residents will soon be able to subscribe to a new curbside composting service run by CompostNow for $19 a month, with weekly pickup and a seven-gallon bin. Approved by the City Commission on April 6, the program will turn local food scraps into compost for area farms and gardens, and residents will also have the option to buy finished compost themselves.

Why it matters

The new curbside composting program is an important step in Decatur's efforts to reduce food waste and support local sustainable agriculture. By diverting organic materials from landfills, the city can help create nutrient-rich soil for nearby farms and gardens, while also giving residents an easy way to participate in the circular economy.

The details

The curbside composting service will be operated by CompostNow, a local composting company. Residents who subscribe will receive a seven-gallon bin for their food scraps, which will be picked up weekly. The collected materials will then be processed into compost that can be purchased by local farms and gardeners. The program was approved by the Decatur City Commission on April 6 and is expected to launch in the coming months.

  • The Decatur City Commission approved the curbside composting program on April 6, 2026.
  • The new service is expected to launch in the coming months.

The players

CompostNow

A local composting company that will operate the new curbside composting service in Decatur.

Decatur City Commission

The governing body of the City of Decatur that approved the new curbside composting program.

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What’s next

The city will work with CompostNow to finalize the program details and begin enrolling Decatur residents in the new curbside composting service.

The takeaway

Decatur's new curbside composting program is a positive step towards reducing food waste and supporting local sustainable agriculture. By making it easy for residents to divert their organic materials from landfills, the city is helping to create a more circular economy and build a more environmentally-friendly community.