Food Waste Guidelines:

What Can & Can’t Be Composted

Planning an event? Make it Zero Waste with Waste to Energy Lincoln! Whether you're organizing a festival, farmers' market, corporate gathering, or private event, we provide the tools, consulting, and on-site support to help you reduce landfill waste and maximize recycling and composting efforts.

Join the Composting Movement Today!

What Can Go in Your Food Waste Bin?

These items are accepted and will be composted:

Food Scraps

Fruits & Vegetables (raw or cooked)
Bread, Pasta & Grains
Meat, Bones & Seafood
Dairy Products (cheese, yogurt, eggshells)

Natural & Biodegradable Items

Wood & Bamboo Utensils
Greasy or Waxed Cardboard (pizza boxes, takeout containers)
Napkins, Paper Towels & Wax Paper

Compostable Kitchen Waste

Coffee Grounds & Filters
Tea Bags (no plastic lining)

Certified Compostable Products

Compostable cups, plates, and utensils labeled with BPI, ASTM D6400, or NatureWorks LLC certification

What Can’t Be Composted?

Plastic-Coated Paper Products (e.g., coffee cups, takeout containers with plastic lining)
Plastic Bags & Plastic Utensils
Glass, Metals, or Styrofoam
Pet Waste or Diapers
Oils, Grease, or Liquids
Rubber Bands, Twist Ties, or Non-Compostable Packaging

How to Know If It’s Compostable

Not sure if something is compostable? Check for these signs:

Is it a Paper Product NOT Lined With Plastic?

Wax-lined paper is compostable, but plastic-coated paper is not. Test it by scratching the surface—if the lining scrapes off, it's wax, not plastic!

Misleading Labels to Watch Out For

Terms like "Made from Plants," "Biodegradable," "Earth-Friendly," or "Eco-Friendly" do not always mean compostable. Make sure items have the proper certification before placing them in your compost bin.

Is it CERTIFIED Compostable?

Look for certification labels like:

BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute)
ASTM D6400, ASTM D6868
NatureWorks LLC
#7 PLA (bioplastics)

Join the Movement & Compost With Confidence!

Proper food waste disposal helps reduce methane emissions, create healthy soil, and keep Lincoln sustainable. Have questions? We’re happy to help!

Call us at (402) 467-1239 Email us at questions@uriberefuse.com