Kansas City, Missouri
Community Program

It’s Time to Upcycle Your Food Scraps!

Whether you're already composting or just getting started, the KCMO Compost Drop-Off Program is a simple, no-cost way for KCMO residents to take action for the planet.

  • Available to KCMO residents only

  • Drop-off locations include a mix of Smart Cans and regular 64-gallon cans

  • Free to use (no sign-up required for regular cans, Smart Cans require a quick one-time registration)

  • Collect your food scraps in a compostable bag or paper sack

  • Drop them off at any of the designated locations below

  • We take care of the rest!

This page provides information on KC Can Compost’s portion of the program only. Find additional info and locations on the city’s website.

Program Locations

KC Can Compost Services these locations for the KCMO Compost Drop Off Program.
An * indicates a Smart Can location. All other locations are regular 64-gallon cans.

City Market*
400 Grand Blvd.
(Behind Steamboat Arabia)

Garrison
Community Center
1124 E 5th Street

Gregg/Klice
Community Center*
1600 John Buck O'Neil Way

Hillcrest
Community Center*
10401 Hillcrest Rd.

KCFD Station 19
550 W 43rd St.

KC North
Community Center
3930 NE Antioch Rd.

Line Creek
Community Center*
5940 NW Waukomis Dr.

Marlborough
Community Center
8200 The Paseo

Mary Williams Neil Community Center
3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd.

Parks & Rec
Maintenance Facility*
1520 W 9th St.

Roanoke
Community Center*
3601 Roanoke Rd.

Southeast
Community Center*
4201 E 63rd St.

Tony Aguirre
Community Center*
2050 W Pennway St.

Additional locations serviced by other providers are listed on the city’s website.

Smarter Composting in KCMO

Several KCMO drop-off locations feature KC Can Compost’s Community Smart Cans—secure, tech-enabled units that make composting even easier. These cans offer 24/7 access, odor control, and remote monitoring to ensure smooth service.

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 

  • You must be a resident of Kansas City, MO to use the program drop-off locations.

    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.

  • If you are a KCMO resident, there is no cost to compost your kitchen scraps at the program 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.

  • 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.

  • All current drop-off 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.

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.