Kansas City’s Community Smart Cans

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN KCMO, COMING SOON ACROSS THE METRO!

Register to Download the App

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How It Works

STEP 1

Complete the simple form above to download the Smart Can App
(powered by Bigbelly)

Download the App

STEP 2

Collect your food scraps and paper waste in 2-gal (or smaller) compostable liners — try our collection combo kit for clean, easy collection at home!

Collect Your Food Scraps

STEP 3

Unlock the can with the App, open the hopper and tip your bucket, one compostable bag at a time

Note: these Smart Cans are intended for use with 2-gal or smaller bags only

Drop It In the Can

KC’s Community Smart Cans

The first 3 of our Community Smart Cans have just launched within the KCMO Compost Drop Off program (which includes other city drop-off locations) and are available to KCMO residents only BUT more Smart Cans are on the way across the metro!

Our member drop-off locations across the metro are available now for our monthly members. Find more info and become a member to access them today!

Meat, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish & Bones

Eggs & Dairy Products

Table Scraps & Plate Scraping

Fruits & Vegetables

Bread Dough, Pastry, Pasta, Grains

Coffee Grounds, Filters & Tea Bags

Food Scraps

Plant Material

Plants & Flowers

Kitchen Paper Towels 

Uncoated Paper Take-Out Containers

Pizza Delivery Boxes

Paper Napkins

Facial Tissues & Paper Towels

Unwaxed Cardboard & Paper

Uncoated Paper Cups, Plates
(no lids, straws or creamers)

PLA & other BPI-Certified Compostable Products

Paper Waste

DO NOT put these items in the can

Plastic Bags

Plastic Wrap

Plastic Bottles

Plastic Plates

Plastic Cups

Plastic Utensils

Glass

Metal

Foil

Produce Baskets & Netting

Produce Stickers

Twist Ties

Latex or Plastic Gloves

Styrofoam

Rubber Bands

Burlap

Grease and Liquid 

  • There are currently 3 Smart Can locations in Kansas City, MO:

    Roanoke Community Center: 3601 Roanoke Rd

    Gregg/Klice Community Center: 1600 E 17th Terrace

    River Market: 3rd and Grand in the parking lot behind the Steamboat Arabia next to the Ripple Glass Bin

    All 3 of these locations are part of KCMO's broader Compost Drop Off program for residents.

    MORE LOCATIONS ARE COMING ACROSS THE METRO SOON!

  • If you are a KCMO resident, there is no cost to compost your kitchen scraps at the current Smart Can locations or other KCMO drop off locations. Learn more at Kansas City's Compost Drop Off Program website.

    If you are NOT a KCMO resident, our regular monthly membership gives you access to drop-off locations across the metro. Membership is $12.99/month for unlimited use. Sign up here.

  • These particular Smart Cans are designed for urban use. If you live in an apartment or condo, or produce less than 10 lbs. of waste per week, the Smart Cans are for you!

    See the FAQ about cost for more info.

  • We recommend you use a small, airtight container. You may purchase a container from us in the supply shop. 

    Collect your scraps using 2-gallon compostable liners. You can purchase liners from us in the supply shop.*Liners are required

    When your liner is full, tie it off and bring to a convenient drop off location. You can also use our Combo Kit to store your 2-gal bags in until you're ready to drop them off. Its airtight gamma seal lid helps keep things clean and tidy.

  • You should use a BPI Certified PLA Compostable liner bag to securely collect food scraps. DO NOT use plastic bags. DO NOT forego the liner bag.

    You can purchase compostable liners in our shop.

  • No problem! If you are a KCMO resident, please visit the KCMO website to see alternative locations.

    If you are not a KCMO resident, you can register online for a KC Can monthly member plan for $12.99/mo and find a convenient member drop-off location near you.

  • All current Smart Can locations are equipped to handle residential compost collection ONLY. If your business is interested in composting, find more information about KC Can Compost's commercial services and reach out for a free assessment.

  • KC Can Compost is developing plans to expand service across the region and would love to talk to you about your needs and interest in a Community Smart Can. Please contact the Smart Can team for more information.

Have you used KC’s Community Smart Cans? Tell us what you think!

Why Composting Matters

The average Kansas City resident produces 102 tons of garbage in a lifetime—up to 60% could be used to create soil instead of methane.

By composting, you are actively decreasing our city’s methane production and contributing to a healthier Kansas City.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

SOIL HEALTH AND FOOD NUTRIENTS

Composting food waste puts nutrients back into the soil, so healthier food can be grown safely and efficiently.

WATER QUALITY

Composting helps the soil retain water more efficiently which minimizes damaging runoff that contaminates our waterways and contributes to land erosion.

LANDFILL CAPACITY

Landfills are reaching capacity and contaminating our water and air with toxins in the process. Over 60% of what goes into them could be turned into nutrient rich soil that could be used for local and world food production.

NATURAL FERTILIZER

Because of its healthy microbial activity, compost serves as a potent fertilizer and natural pesticide—a sustainable alternative to chemical products.