Frequently asked questions
How to change your account information
I'M A CUSTOMER, HOW CAN I UPDATE MY PAYMENT CARD INFORMATION?
Visit the portal and you'll be able to login and manage your account.
About your bin and what you can and cannot put in it
What can I put in my compost?
If it was edible and it's not meat, bones, fat, or dairy, it goes in. Napkins, flowers, egg shells, and coffee grinds are all welcome at the party in your friendly Crown Town Compost bucket. Please no charcoal, animal/human feces or urine, or excessive amounts of liquids. For a comprehensive list of what can and cannot go in your bucket, please see this list.
Can we use a different container for collection?
Yes, absolutely, as long as you empty your materials into our bin when you put it out for collection
What do I do with my bin on pickup day?
Place it out the night before your pickup day, we will empty it between 6am and 7pm on your scheduled day. Our pickup window is wide to allow for flexibility in operations to keep costs low and assist in growing the business.
How big is the bucket I get?
3.5 gallons, and fits under most sinks. Starting in early 2021, house customers will also receive a 24-gallon curbside bin.
Won’t my bucket start to smell?
Keeping the lid on your bucket when you’re not adding food scraps to it will minimize smell. After each time you empty it, we recommend spraying it out with water and mild dish soap.
Will my neighbors get mad at me for putting a compost bin outside my house?
If you need to locate your bin in a more hidden area, we are happy to work with you on the location.
About potential fees related to pick-up service
What happens if we miss our scheduled collection?
No big deal! Missing a pick-up is fine. We'll pick it up the first time for free so the contents of your bin don't get smelly. However, after the first time, we'll have to charge $5 to make the extra trip out to pick it up. To ensure you never miss, please put your bucket out the night before your scheduled pickup day. We will send you a text the night before pickup as a reminder.
About our company and the cost of our service
ARE YOU A NON-PROFIT OR A FOR-PROFIT?
We are a for-profit business.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON YOUR TEAM?
We currently have two full-time employees, 2 part-time, and three co-founders operating the business.
WHAT IS THE COST? IS THE ONLY WAY TO FIND OUT TO DO THE CONTACT FORM?
The cost for a residential subscriber starts at $30 per month for curbside pickup. Commercial accounts require a cost-free waste audit to determine pricing. Drop-off service at our Saturday morning location or the flexible time drop-offs starts at $20/month.
About our service areas and how to join or create one
HOW BIG OF AN AREA DO YOU SERVE? WHAT IF I LIVE JUST OUTSIDE THE CITY?
Our service area is ever-changing. If you’re interested in subscribing see if your address falls in our service area when you check your address as part of signing up.
CAN MY OFFICE OR BUSINESS START COMPOSTING WITH CROWN TOWN COMPOST?
We would love to see if we’re a fit for your needs. Drop us a line at howdy@crowntowncompost.com or give us a call (704.930.6314) to discuss how we can support you.
I LIVE IN AN APARTMENT, CAN I USE CROWN TOWN COMPOST’S SERVICES?
Yes! Select the Apartment option in our sign-up form or Contact us.
The benefits of composting
WHO WILL THE COMPOST SERVE? WHERE WILL IT BE USED?
We offer subscription options that include returning a set amount of finished compost (soil) back to customers. Our soil is also available for purchase at any time. Just email us at howdy@crowntowncompost.com to place an order.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPOSTING SYSTEM?
Our customers’ food waste is composted at an industrial facility operated by our commercial composting partner. At community gardens we utilize a variety methods, but prefer to keep it simple. Our commercial composting partner uses a windrow system.
WHY COMPOST?
Composting has two major benefits: it diverts food waste from going to the landfill and it creates a nutrient-rich resource for growing plants. What was just another smelly item in your trash before is transformed into a life-giving powder keg of food for your garden.
HOW DOES COMPOST WORK?
Composting processes vary widely but they all consist of a few basic steps:
Compostable waste is collected separately from other types of waste.
It is broken down by microorganisms.
It sits for a period of time while the decomposition process finishes.
How to get involved
CAN I VOLUNTEER WITH YOU?
Always. Although it may not be directly with us, it will involve composting. This could be at one of our community gardens or another drop-site. We believe getting your hands dirty will bring us closer to solving major issues of our time. Shoot an email to howdy@crowntowncompost.com.
I WORK AT OR ATTEND A LOCAL SCHOOL. CAN WE START COMPOSTING WITH CROWN TOWN COMPOST?
Let’s find a way to make it happen! E-mail us at howdy@crowntowncompost.com or call us at (704.930.6314).