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 

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  • 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.

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.