Curbside composting is coming to St. Charles in April

Beginning April 6, St. Charles residents can put food scraps and other organic composting materials out at the curb along with regular yard waste for collection.

Lakeshore Recycling Services, the City of St. Charles refuse/recycling contractor, will pick up the compost material on regular collection days.

How it works

1. Mix the composting materials in with regular yard waste (grass, leaves, twigs) in either a brown paper yard waste bag with a sticker; or Lakeshore Recycling Services yard waste cart (subscription required)

2. Place at the curb for pick up on regularly scheduled refuse collection days

This is a seasonal program that is available only when yard waste pick up is offered, generally April through November.

Accepted items

• Fruits and vegetables

• Halloween pumpkins

• Dairy and eggs, including shells, but no liquids

• Breads, grains, pasta, and cereal

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Teabags

• Paper products, including paper towels, napkins, and tissues

Not accepted

• Meat, poultry and seafood

• Bones and shells

• Fats, grease, oil, and liquids

• Packaging

• Paper plates and utensils

• Plastic, styrofoam, glass, metal

• Diapers

• Pet waste

If you have questions about this new service, stop by the information session hosted by the Natural Resources Commission at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at the city's public works facility, 1405 S. Seventh Ave.

Members of the Natural Resources Commission and city staff will be there to answer your questions. Visit www.stcharlesil.gov.

For details about the composting program and to enroll, contact Lakeshore Recycling Services at (773) 685-8811 or email StCharles@lrsrecycles.com.