Kansas City
Community Smart Cans

KCMO Residents:

Register to Download the App and Start Using the Smart Cans

Not a KCMO resident? Learn about our member drop-off program.

By submitting this form, you are agreeing to receive email and/or text communication from KC Can Compost. Standard carrier rates apply. You may opt out at any time. We do not share your private information.

How It Works

STEP 1

Download the App

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

STEP 2

Collect Your Food Scraps

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!

STEP 3

Drop It In the Can

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

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

KC’s Community Smart Cans

KCMO’s Community Smart Cans are part of the city’s Compost Drop Off program for residents. The program includes other traditional drop-off can locations as well. See the city’s program page for more details.

Not a KCMO resident? Our member drop-off locations are available across the metro for KC Can Compost 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 8 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

    • Line Creek Community Center and Ice Arena
      5940 NW Waukomis Dr, Kansas City, MO 64151

    • KC Parks and Recreation Maintenance Facility
      1520 W 9th street

    • Southeast Community Center
      4201 E 63rd St, Kansas City, MO 64130

    • Hillcrest Community Center
      10401 Hillcrest Rd, Kansas City, MO 64134

    • Tony Aguirre Community Center
      2050 W Pennway Ter, Kansas City, MO 64108

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

  • 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, you can still compost! Our regular monthly membership gives you access to several member drop-off locations across the metro. Membership is $12.99/month for unlimited use. Sign up here.

  • The KC Community Smart Cans are designed for use in high-traffic neighborhoods. They are available for all KCMO residents but if you live in an apartment or condo, or produce less than 10 lbs. of waste per week, the Smart Cans are for perfect you!

    See the FAQ about cost for more info.

  • We recommend you use a small, airtight container, using 2-gallon compostable liners.

    Collect your scraps using BPI Certified compostable liners. *Liners are required - NO loose scraps are allowed in the can

    When your liner is full, tie it off and bring to a convenient drop off location.

    DO NOT use plastic bags.

    Paper bags may be used to collect scraps but we recommend more frequent drop-off to help minimize leakage and potential mess.

    For the cleanest collection, we recommend using our Combo Kit- Start with countertop collection in 2-gal liners, tie off when full, and store in a lined 5-gal can until drop-off at the Smart Can. Our 5-gal can has an airtight gamma seal lid which helps keep things clean and tidy.

    You can purchase liners and cans in our Supply Shop. 

  • You should use a BPI Certified PLA Compostable liner bag to securely collect food scraps. *Liners are required - NO loose scraps are allowed in the can

    DO NOT use plastic bags.

    Paper bags may be used but will need to be dropped into the can more often to minimize leakage and mess.

    You can purchase compostable liners in our shop.

  • No problem! If you are a KCMO resident, please feel free to drop off more often, or visit the KCMO website to see alternative drop-off locations with larger capacity lids.

    If you are not a KCMO resident, you can become a KC Can Member and access several metro-wide member drop-off locations for just $12.99/mo.

  • 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 continuing 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 composted to create soil instead of methane.

By composting, you are actively decreasing our city’s methane production and contributing to a healthier Kansas City. Methane is up to 80x more potent than CO2, and preventing its creation has an immediate impact.

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.