Food Scrap Drop-Off Bins

Join the Program!

Don't have access to curbside composting? You're invited to apply! The new Food Scrap Drop-Off program gives multi-family residents a convenient way to compost their food scraps at three locations around town, but you must be an approved applicant to access the bins.

1) Apply Online

Start Application

2) Wait for an Email Response

Please allow 3 business days for us to review and respond.

3) Receive Instructions to Unlock

Approved users will receive instructions to unlocking bins in their email.

4) Make Your First Drop-Off!

Start collecting your scraps and head to the nearest drop-off bin.

1) Apply Online

Click below to start your application.

Food Scrap Drop-Off Application

2) Wait for an Email Response

Please allow 3 business days for us to review and respond.

3) Receive Instructions to Unlock

Approved users will receive instructions to unlocking bins in their email.

4) Make Your First Drop-Off!

Start collecting your scraps and head to the nearest drop-off bin.

Please note: Completing the application does not give you immediate access to unlock drop-off bins.

3 Drop-Off Bin Locations

Ann Arbor Farmer's Market (Bins #1 & 2) — 315 Detroit St. | Located on the NE corner of Detroit St. and N. Fifth Ave., across from the market

Traverwood Branch Library (Bin #3) — 3333 Traverwood Dr. | Located between the parking lot and sidewalk off Traverwood Dr., near the flagpole

Esch Park (Bin #4) — 2705 Esch Ave. | Located between the sidewalk and Esch Ave., near the basketball court

3 Drop-Off Bin Locations

Ann Arbor Farmer's Market (Bins #1 & 2) — 315 Detroit St.
- Located on the NE corner of Detroit St. and N. Fifth Ave., across from the market

Traverwood Branch Library (Bin #3) — 3333 Traverwood Dr.
- Located between the parking lot and sidewalk off Traverwood Dr., near the flagpole

Esch Park (Bin #4) — 2705 Esch Ave.
- Located between the sidewalk and Esch Ave., near the basketball court

Farmer's Market Location

Traverwood Branch Library Location

Esch Park Location

Farmer's Market Location

Traverwood Branch Library Location

Esch Park Location

Access to the Bins

Drop-off bins are kept locked and can only be opened by approved program participants.

At this time, only residents of multi-family housing within the City of Ann Arbor will be approved to join the drop-off program.

Resident of a single-family home?

Residents of single-family homes are encouraged to utilize the city's curbside composting program as we prioritize those without access to the curbside program. We hope to expand the program in the future with more drop-off bin locations and further access!

If you're interested in future updates on access, please begin the drop-off application here and you will be routed to submit your email address for notifications.

If you want to learn more about the curbside program, which accepts all food scraps, visit the compost homepage.

Once approved, residents will receive an email with instructions for downloading and using the app required to unlock the bins.

Don't have a smartphone?

If you do not have a smartphone or are unable to download the app for another reason, an alternative unlocking method may be provided. Please complete the application above and once approved, reply directly to your approval email to request an alternative option.

What's Accepted in Drop-Off Bins?

ALL Food Scraps

Meat, Bones, Seafood

Fruits, Vegetables

Eggs, Solid Dairy

Bread, Pasta, Grains

Plate Scrapings

Coffee Grounds

Paper Coffee Filters

Loose Tea (no bags)

Cut Flowers

Houseplants

What's Accepted in Drop-Off Bins?

ALL Food Scraps

Coffee Grounds, Loose Tea, & Paper Coffee Filters

Cut Flowers & Houseplants

"Starter Kits" are Available!

All city residents are welcome to a free “starter kit” with tools to help collect food scraps and prevent wasted food at home.

Residents applying to the Food Scrap Drop-Off program can reserve a starter kit through the application for pickup at any of the events below. Starter kits will also be open to residents without advance reservation, but availability cannot be guaranteed. Items include:

Food scrap collection caddy
Compostable paper bags
Reusable "Eat First" stickers

Meet Us at Community Events

Pick up a "starter kit", learn more, and ask questions!

Events will be added as they become available.

Wednesdays at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market

Every Wednesday starting Sep. 30 until October 28, 7a.m.—3p.m. at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market

Find us at the market alongside all your other favorite vendors.

Stop by the City's Solid Waste booth to grab a free food scrap caddy, paper collection bags, and "Eat First" stickers. While you're here, check out the two drop-off bins stationed just across the street on Detroit St. and N. Fifth Ave.!

App-Related Guidance for Approved Participants

If you've already applied and been approved to participate, the following guidance can assist you through the process of installing and using the app to unlock bins. These resources are also linked in the approval email sent to participants.

Please note: Only approved participants are able to access and use the app required to unlock the bins. If you have not yet applied, please complete this application and allow 3 business days for a response.