Food Waste Drop-Off



City of Toledo Food Waste Drop-Off

In 2019, there was 39,621,902 tons of food waste sent to the landfill in the United States. Once landfilled, food waste takes up unnecessary space. We want to extend the life of our landfill by sending less waste. Food waste in landfills also releases methane into our atmosphere. Methane is a powerful and harmful greenhouse gas that is a major contributor to climate change.

To reduce the amount of food waste that is landfilled, we have partnered with the City of Toledo and Metroparks Toledo to create a Food Waste Drop-Off program. The Food Waste Drop-Off Program will allow residents to compost their food waste at designated locations for free.

FOOD WASTE DROP-OFF GUIDELINES

How to Participate:

The Food Waste Drop-Off program is for residential use only. Businesses that wish to compost may reach out to GoZERO Services. 


Residents may use lidded buckets to collect and transport your household food waste. If you are in need of a compost bucket, they can always be purchased at your local hardware store. Alternatively, a food scrap pail can be purchased with Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District, which you can find here.

Acceptable Items:

  • Egg Shells & Paper Packaging
  • Dairy or Oils
  • Beans & Nuts
  • Plants
  • Meat, Bones, Seafood, & Shellfish
  • Fruit & Veggies
  • Baked Goods & Pasta
  • Coffee & Tea Grounds
  • Food-Soiled Paper, Wax Paper
  • BPI Certified Plastics & ASTIM 6400 Compliant Materials

Prohibited Items:

  • Rocks & Stones
  • Glass
  • Metal
  • Styrofoam
  • Aluminum
  • Plastic Bags
  • Clothing
  • Cartons - Milk & Juice
  • Nitrate & Rubber Gloves
  • Electronics
  • Saran Wrap
  • Healthcare or Hygiene Products

Food Waste Drop-Off Locations:

Buckets of food waste may be dumped in the GoZERO totes at any of the following locations. Our organics hauler, GoZERO, will operate the program and maintain the disposal and collection of compost totes.


Locations are open during Metroparks hours, 7AM to dark.

Glass City Metropark

901 Front Street

Toledo, OH 43605

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Back left corner of the lot

Toledo Botanical Garden

5430 W Bancroft Street

Toledo, OH 43615

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Southeast corner of the lot

Swan Creek Metropark

4301 Airport Highway

Toledo, OH 43615

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Northeast corner of the lot

What is Composting?

Composting is the natural way of disposing of organic materials such as food waste, plants, and other organic materials. These materials are then converted into nutrient rich compost, which makes excellent fertilizer for your gardens.


If you are interested in composting at home, you can learn more about how to get started from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

At Home Compost Options:

Don't want to transport your food waste? Inquire with Bad Apple Compost about their curbside program.

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