Coming Soon!
North Kansas City Community Program
How It Works
STEP 1
Download the App
Once the program is live, scan the QR code on the can to download the Smart Can App, get registered and start rescuing your food scraps from the landfill.
STEP 2
Collect Your Food Scraps
Collect your food scraps and paper waste in 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 Smart Can App, open the hopper and tip your can.
Note: the can is accessible within 5ft
North Kansas City’s Community Composting Program
We are excited to partner with North Kansas City to launch their community composting pilot program. There will be 2 Smart Cans available for resident use in parks across the community later this summer. Check back for official program launch information!
Not a NKC 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!
Coming Soon!
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
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There will be 2 Smart Can locations available for residents in North Kansas City, MO. Location details will be announced soon!
Not a NKC resident? Learn about our member drop-off locations. -
If you are a NKC resident, there is no cost to compost your kitchen scraps at the NKC Community Program drop-off locations.
If you are NOT a NKC resident, our regular monthly membership gives you access to member drop-off locations across the metro. Membership is $12.99/month for unlimited use. Sign up here.
Residents in KCMO and Prairie Village can view their city’s program information at the links provided.
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These particular Smart Cans are designed for North Kansas City residents only. Generally, if your household produces less than 25 pounds of waste per week, the Smart Cans are perfect for you!
See the FAQ about cost for more info.
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Access info coming soon!
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We recommend you use a small, airtight container. Collect your scraps using BPI Certified compostable liners. *Liners are required - NO loose scraps are allowed in the can
You can purchase cans and liners in our supply shop and pick them up at City Hall.
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 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 supply shop.
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No problem! You can drop-off your scraps more frequently, or you can register online to become a KC Can Monthly Member and access other metro area drop-off locations.
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All current NKC Community Program 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.
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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.
Why Composting Matters
The average North Kansas City resident produces 102 tons of garbage in a lifetime—up to 60% could be composted to create soil instead of methane.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
By composting, you are actively decreasing our city’s methane production and contributing to a healthier Prairie Village and metro area. Methane is up to 80x more potent than CO2, and preventing its creation has an immediate impact.
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. Nearly 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.