Can I Compost This? The Ultimate KC Fan Fest Quick-Guide
Orange Compost Can and other waste station items in front of guest enjoying the Taste of KC Food Court at Fan Fest, Kansas City, MO.
If you are standing in the middle of Kansas City's Fan Fest with a half-eaten hot dog, a sticky tray, and a handful of napkins, you might be asking your phone: "Can I compost this?"
The short answer is: Yes, almost everything at Fan Fest is completely compostable!
Thanks to an incredible partnership between KC Can Compost, event organizers, and local food vendors, the vast majority of food service items used throughout the festival grounds are designed to skip the landfill entirely.
Here is your lightning-fast guide to what goes in the orange KC Can Compost cans and what stays out.
The Quick "Can I Compost This?" Checklist
✅ Put These in the ORANGE Cans:
All Food Scraps: Leftover fries, sandwich crusts, corn dog bits, watermelon rinds, and meats.
Paper Plates & Bowls: The fiber bowls used for cheese curds and the round plates used for sandwiches.
Red-and-White Plaid Food Trays: The classic paper boats used to serve watermelon slices, sliders, and sides.
Wooden & Plant-Based Utensils: Wooden forks, knives, spoons, and corn dog sticks.
Paper Liners & Napkins: Checked deli paper, brown napkins, and white paper towels—even if they are covered in ketchup or mustard!
❌ Keep These OUT (Put in Trash or Blue Recycling):
Plastic Bottles & Aluminum Cans: These belong in the blue recycling bins.
Plastic Wrap & Foil Wrappers: Single-use plastic chip bags or foil candy wrappers.
Condiment Packets: Individual plastic squeeze packets for ketchup, mustard, or relish cannot be composted.
Composting in Action: Visual Guide for Fan Fest Attendees
To help you spot exactly what to do while you are exploring the festival, here is what green success looks like on the ground:
Look for the Orange Cans
Spot the bright orange KC Compost Cans right next to the trash and recycling stations across the Fan Fest lawn and Food Court areas.
If you are unsure, just look for our signature "COMPOST HERE" signage!
The "Hidden" Compostable Items (Vendor Service Trays)
A few items aren't explicitly pictured on our main signs but are 100% compostable because our incredible vendors stepped up to use sustainable packaging.
Even the red-and-white plaid paper trays holding fresh watermelon slices are fully compostable.
Once you finish the fruit, the tray and the rinds go into the compost together!
The Perfect Compost Setup
A perfect example of a compostable meal footprint.
The fiber tray, the wooden eating utensil, and the used paper napkins can all be swept straight into the orange can.
Remember to toss that crumpled plastic ketchup packet on the right into the regular trash!
The Sustainable Food Heroes Behind the Scenes
Our amazing local food vendors are working hard to ensure their service ware meets compostable standards, making it easier than ever for KC sports fans to minimize their environmental impact.
Corn Dogs? Yes, Even the Sticks!
Enjoying a classic festival corn dog? The leftover bites, the paper liner, and the wooden stick are all organic material that KC Can Compost can break down into nutrient-rich soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you compost paper plates covered in ketchup and mustard?
Yes. Unlike traditional recycling, which is ruined by food residue, composting thrives on organic matter. Paper plates, napkins, and deli liners covered in sauces, oils, grease, ketchup, or mustard are perfectly safe for the orange compost cans.
What should I do with my plastic bottle or soda can at Fan Fest?
Plastic water bottles and aluminum cans should be placed in the blue recycling bins, not the orange compost cans.
Where does the compost go after Fan Fest?
KC Can Compost collects the organic waste directly from the festival grounds and processes it locally. It is transformed into premium, nutrient-dense soil that is used to support local community gardens, urban farms, and green spaces right here in Kansas City.