The Future of Community Composting is Here
Smart Can Technology from KC Can Compost
Secure, tech-enabled food waste collection designed to make diversion simple, clean, and accessible for metro communities.
Secure, user-friendly smartphone access
Industry-leading technology
Available 24/7 (depending on site access)
Remote capacity monitoring lowers emissions
Odor-containing, pest-resistant design
Lower contamination means more usable, high-quality compost
Increased community participation in climate solutions
Collaboration for the Greener Good
Our Community Smart Can Programs
We partner with municipalities and organizations across the region to implement and manage large-scale food waste diversion programs for their communities. Smart Cans are an integral part of expanding access while improving the quality of compost output, helping cities make meaningful progress toward their climate goals.
Our local partners are paving the way as early adopters of this leading edge composting technology.
Current Community Programs
More programs are coming soon!
Interested in seeing a Smart Can program in your community? Reach out to your City Council and let them know composting is important to you!
*Community programs are for residents of the host city only
How It Works
STEP 1
Download the app and register to get started using your community program’s Smart Cans.
Download the App
STEP 2
Collect your food scraps and paper waste in compostable liners — try our collection combo kit for clean, easy collection at home!
Collect Your Food Scraps
STEP 3
Use the app to unlock the Smart Can, open the hopper and tip your can, one compostable bag at a time.
Drop It In the Can
Note: We currently have 2 Smart Can models deployed, with slightly different configurations. Check your program page for more details.
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
-
Smart Cans are app-enabled, solar-powered compost collection bins that make community drop-offs secure, clean, and accessible 24/7. They use smart tech to control contamination, control odors, and eliminate pests while giving residents a quick, seamless way to divert food waste. They are remotely monitored so our team only services them when full—reducing unnecessary vehicle emissions and keeping operations efficient.
-
We partner directly with municipalities, neighborhood associations, and commercial property owners to bring Smart Cans to new areas. We provide the technology, equipment, bilingual educational signage, and ongoing maintenance. If you are interested in hosting a bin or launching a pilot program in your community, contact our team to explore options.
-
Smart Cans accept all food waste (fruit/vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, meat, bones, and dairy) as well as paper items like napkins, paper towels, and unlined pizza boxes.
Important Note: Loose scraps are not allowed. All items must be contained in tied-off, BPI-Certified compostable liners (2-gallon or smaller) to keep the cans clean and sanitary. Please do not use traditional plastic bags.
-
Smart Cans are for individual members and residential households taking climate action in their kitchens. They provide members with 24/7 access to drop off household food waste on a schedule that works for them.
(Note: Businesses and high-volume commercial producers should check out our dedicated commercial collection services instead!)
-
Cost depends on the specific program you participate in:
City & Partner Programs: Participation is FREE for residents in sponsored partner areas (such as Prairie Village, KCMO, or participating waste-to-work partner programs like Village Presbyterian Church, MARC, or Rivergate Business Center).
Standard Monthly Membership: For all other drop-off locations across the metro, membership is $12.99/month for unlimited drop-off access.
Equipment & Liners: New members can pick up starter equipment (like our 5-gallon Mini Can or 1-gallon Itty Bitty Countertop Can) at selected pickup locations upon registration. Compostable liners and additional supplies can be purchased anytime via your online customer portal.
As a non-profit, member fees directly fund our waste transport and provide living-wage job opportunities for individuals in our community.
-
Current community Smart Cans are designed for residential collection only. However, we offer dedicated commercial composting solutions tailored specifically for businesses, coffee shops, schools, restaurants, and event venues. Reach out to schedule a free 15-minute waste consultation to set up a program for your workplace.
-
We are actively working to expand Smart Can technology across the Kansas City region! You can let us know where you’d like to see a Smart Can next by contacting us directly. We use resident interest to help guide our pilot expansion conversations with local city leaders and neighborhood groups.
Check out this Fox 4 KC news feature on Smart Cans to see a real-life video demonstration of how the solar-powered Smart Cans function and how local news highlights your mission.
Interested in hosting a Community Smart Can? Let’s talk.
Why Composting Matters
The average KC metro 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 KC 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.