Somerville's 10 new compost bins: how the free food waste drop-off works
Somerville added 10 free public compost bins. How to get the access code, what you can put in, what stays out, and the Nov 7 Pumpkin Smash in East Somerville.
Mateus MagnoLicensed Construction Supervisor · November 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Somerville has installed 10 free public food waste bins across the city, paid for through Participatory Budgeting. Register once at somervillema.gov/foodwaste, scan the QR code on a bin or call 311 to get an access code, which works at all 10 bins. Bag scraps in a compostable or paper bag. Trash, recyclables, pet waste and vapes stay out.
Most homes in Somerville don't have room for a compost pile. Now there's another option. The City announced on October 28, 2026 that 10 public food waste bins are installed and open, and they're free to use.
How the Somerville compost bins work
- Register once. Sign up at somervillema.gov/foodwaste, scan the QR code on a bin or call 311. One access code works at all 10 bins.
- Collect your scraps. Use a compostable or paper bag. The City suggests keeping the bag in a small bucket.
- Find a bin from the list below.
- Drop it in and relock the bin.
Where are the 10 compost bins in Somerville?
The City's bin map labels these spots. Check it for the exact location before you walk over.
- East Somerville Library
- Central Library
- West Somerville Library
- Union Square
- Conway Park
- Capuano School
- West Somerville Neighborhood School
- Mystic Housing
- Community Path at Cedar Ave
- Tufts Administration Building
What can go in?
| Yes | No |
|---|---|
| Fruit and vegetables | Regular trash and recyclables |
| Cooked and raw food, meat, dairy, bread | Plastic, foam, foil-lined or waxed paper |
| Coffee grounds and loose tea | Metal, glass, chemicals |
| Napkins, paper towels, coffee filters | Pet waste, diapers, vapes |
| Certified compostable tableware, hair | Thick brush |
Who paid for the bins, and why?
They were funded through Participatory Budgeting, the process that lets residents vote on some City spending. The bins support Somerville's Zero Waste Plan, which aims to cut waste 30% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. The City says food and compostable paper make up about 30% of municipal solid waste in Massachusetts.
Is there curbside compost pickup in Somerville?
Only in some places, or through a private service:
- East Somerville pilot. It started in fall 2025 and is planned to run through mid-2027, with the service from Garbage to Garden. It's for households in the pilot area, in buildings of 6 units or fewer, that don't already have a curbside subscription. Sign up at somervillecomposts.com.
- Private services. Many households already pay for curbside compost pickup.
Pumpkin Smash on November 7
Still have your Halloween pumpkins? The City's Pumpkin Smash is Saturday, November 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your own or smash one of the City's, then walk over to the new bin outside the East Somerville Branch Library. There will also be information about the East Somerville pilot. The same morning, the City is holding neighborhood cleanups.
Planning work at home?
I'm Mateus, a licensed builder based in Davis Square. Book a free walkthrough and you'll get a written line-item budget, usually within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Are Somerville's compost bins free?
Yes. The bins are free to use. You register once to get an access code, which works at all 10 locations.
How do I get a code for the Somerville compost bins?
Register at somervillema.gov/foodwaste, scan the QR code on a bin, or call 311.
What can I put in Somerville's food waste bins?
Food scraps, including meat, dairy and bread, plus coffee grounds, napkins, paper towels, coffee filters and certified compostable tableware. Put loose scraps in a compostable or paper bag.
Does Somerville offer curbside composting?
There is a curbside pilot in part of East Somerville, planned through mid-2027, for eligible households in buildings of 6 units or fewer. Many households elsewhere use private services.
Planning work near Somerville? See the towns I work in, with local permit notes, and how I price work.
Mateus Magno founded Magno & Co in 2020. He is a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS-123658), registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #220484) and certified Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor who has renovated and managed over $5 million in projects across Greater Boston.
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