Composting in Coral Gables
The city is proud to announce our very own community composting program!
We are thrilled you joined the FREE drop-off program sponsored by the City Coral Gables and to have your help diverting organics away from the landfill and bringing them back to the cycle of nature!
How it works
- To unlock the combination lock, scan the QR code at the station or use this link and sign up.
- Insert your materials into the bin.
If you have any issue with the lock, or the process, or if you see something that doesn't look right, please let us know via email at hello@liverenuable.com, send a Direct Message on Instagram @liverenuable, or send a message to (754)-231-6177.
- Compostable Items ONLY. No plastic bags, fruit stickers, plastic bottles, cans, glass, metal, produce ties, or anything else that is not considered organic waste. A good rule of thumb is that if it grows, it goes!
- See list of accepted items
- If you are running low at home, grab some new compostable kitchen bags, they are inside the Drop-Off Station and are included in your membership with Renüable!
- For any questions on the Coral Gables Community Composting Program please contact hello@liverenuable.com.
**While supplies last - Coral Gables Members get a free UMI kitchen caddy bin included (please select in the store after signing up)**
- Please close AND lock the lid after use.
- Please do not leave items outside of the bin.
Additional Composting Info
Benefits of Composting
- Reduces need for chemical fertilizer
- Helps soil maintain moisture, meaning less time and money spent on watering plants
- Helps reduce your carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the methane released from food waste
- Helps balance the pH of soil
- The less waste you have the less energy and fuel it will take to transport waste
- Helps ward off pests
- Helps improve plant growth by reducing erosion and improving the soil’s ability to retain water
Why compost?
- 24% of waste is food waste (EPA.Gov)
- Total US food waste is valued at $161.6 billion
- Organic waste makes up 25% to 50% of what people throw away
Where to compost?
- You can compost in your back yard, using a closed compost system
- Keep a small compost container in your kitchen and toss it in your compost bin several times a week.
Home composting is allowed in Coral Gables as long as it is a closed-bin system located in the backyard.
How to compost?
- Carbon is considered 'dry' (or brown) matter while Nitrogen is considered 'wet' (or green) matter.
- The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences recommends 1 part wet and 2-3 parts dry to have healthy compost.
What to compost?
| COMPOSTABLE GREENS | COMPOSTABLE BROWNS | DO NOT COMPOST |
| Fruit and vegetable scraps | Shredded paper | Dairy products |
| Egg shells | Grass clippings | Bones |
| Tea bags | Leaves | Animal meat |
| Coffee grounds | Newspaper | Sick or infected plants |
| Hair (human, dogs, cats, etc.) | Toilet paper rolls | Fish |
| Paper coffee filters | Wood shavings | Grease and oil |
| Old nut milks (almond, cashew, coconut) | Printer paper | Cooked foods |
| Cardboard (cut into small pieces) | ||
| Paper bags | ||
| Pencil shavings | ||
| Pizza boxes (cut up) |
Composting Classes
- Click here for workshops/information on composting in Miami-Dade County
- Composting classes at Pinecrest Branch Library
Additional Resources
- Home Composting Tips from the EPA.
- Home Composting Information from CalRecycle
- Composting Information from Fairchild Botanical Gardens.