Fayetteville outlines expansion of food-waste compost program, cites low contamination in new keypad bins

Heather Elzey, an environmental educator with the City of Fayetteville Recycling and Trash Division, told the city's Environmental Action Committee on Oct. 20 that the municipal compost program "is thriving." Elzey described recent residential and commercial expansions designed to push the city toward a 40% waste-diversion goal through increased composting and recycling.

Elzey said the commercial curbside program offers locking-lid carts, three weekly pickups and a six-month supply of BPI-certified compostable bags, noting the business subscription price is "$18.14 a month" as a typical budgetable option. On the residential side, the city maintains two staffed drop-offs (Happy Hollow and the Marion Orton recycling center), three community partner locations (Trinity United Methodist Church, Margaret's Food Truck and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church) and has added keypad-access bins at Veterans Park, Bryce Davis Park and the Fayetteville Public Library to expand access without requiring on-site attendants.

She described how keypad bins reduce contamination: residents request access by QR code or phone and must check an online form confirming no plastic bags, produce stickers or trash before receiving the entry code. "We've actually seen very low contamination in these bins," Elzey said, and added that each drop-off is treated as an educational opportunity with signage and outreach.

Elzey highlighted a successful pilot with Ozark Compost and SWAP and said the city will convert that pilot into a city program in 2026 with enrollment available through utility accounts. She also noted a mobile food-waste trailer that collects material at farmers markets and concerts and functions as a visible outreach tool at zero-waste events.

On the composting process, Elzey explained the city uses a modified static aerobic system and an inoculant that helps maintain internal windrow temperatures (routinely around 140'F to 150'F), which she said eliminates pathogens and allows the facility to accept a broader range of organic inputs than typical backyard systems. Finished compost and mulch are available to residents; Elzey said the city is currently giving mulch away while inventories last.

Committee members asked about household pricing and incentives. Elzey said the city expects to meet its $15-per-household cost goal for residential curbside programs and emphasized that the city is prioritizing free drop-offs and making material widely accessible before adding incentive structures.

The committee thanked Elzey and asked the sustainability office to return with further updates as the 2026 program roll-out nears.