Prairie Village
Community Smart Cans

Coming to Prairie Village July 1st!

Learn more about the program below and check back after the 1st to get started.

How It Works

STEP 1

Download the App

Download the App to register and get started using your community program’s Smart Cans.

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 App, open the hopper and tip your can.
Note: the can is accessible within 5ft

Prairie Village’s
Community Smart Cans

We are excited to partner with Prairie Village to launch their community composting pilot program. The first 2 Smart Cans are now available for Prairie Village residents. Download the app and register to get started.

Not a Prairie Village 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 2 Smart Can locations in Prairie Village, KS:

    Harmon Skate Park
    7710 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66208

    Wassmer Park
    4805 W 67th St, Prairie Village, KS 66208

    Both of these locations are part of Prairie Village’s pilot composting program for residents.

    Not a PV resident? Learn about our member drop-off locations.

  • If you are a Prairie Village resident, there is no cost to compost your kitchen scraps at the PV Community Smart Can locations.

    If you are NOT a PV 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.

  • These particular Smart Cans are designed for Prairie Village residents. 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.

  • You’ll need to download the app and register to access the cans.

    1. Scan the QR code to visit the program page. (See the top of this page.)

    2. Click the link to download the MetroKEY app for your smartphone.

    3. Register in the app.

    4. Once your registration is complete, use the app to unlock the can when you’re within 5ft.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • All current PV Community 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 PV’s Community Smart Cans? Tell us what you think!

Why Composting Matters

The average Prairie Village 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 Prairie Village and metro area. 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. 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.