Residential SErvice
FAQS
Q: How much does residential service cost?
Weekly pickups - $38/month + one time $25 setup fee.
In it for the long haul? Annual Rate receives 10% discount
Q: What can I compost in my bucket?
“If it grows, it goes!”
Here is a more detailed list of compostable items, as well as a link to our Residential Composting Guide.
Q: Doesn’t the city pick up my food waste as part of the standard trash service? Why should I compost?
When organic materials end up in our landfills (like from standard trash collection), these materials break down and produce potent greenhouse gases like methane that directly contribute to global warming and climate change. Composting is a natural, practical, and beautiful process that transforms potential waste materials into a valuable resource – healthy living soils.
The question shouldn’t be: why should I compost – it should be, why not compost? Many of our customers report that they reduce their trash by nearly half!
Q: What’s included in my residential subscription?
You’ll receive our composting starter kit that includes your very own 5 gallon bin with airtight lid, 2-gallon kitchen caddy, compostable liners for each container, and our Compostables List fridge magnet. Additionally, as a subscriber you will receive 5 gallons of compost 2x a year upon request through our “compost give-back” program. If you don’t have a need for your compost, we’re happy to donate it to one of our community composting partners. Please note - a minimum subscription of 3 months is required for our “compost give-back”.
Running low on 2-gallon liners for your kitchen caddy? Let us know and we’ll gladly deliver an additional roll on your next scheduled pickup date.
Members also gain access to your very own customized Member Portal. You’ll have easy access to manage your account in real time. Update your service schedule, buy items from our Member Shop, request additional liners, access your environmental impact metrics, collect credits through our compost referral program, and more!
Q: Ok I’m all signed up - how do i pay?
Member’s subscription services are charged automatically each month on your recurring subscription renewal date. Payments can be made by ACH or credit card. Members submit a default payment option during the sign up/onboarding process. Still have questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for further information. We’re always happy to help!
Q: I'd like to try this out but I am worried that I will have to stop for any number of reasons. Do I have to make a long-term commitment?
Not to worry. We offer our services on a month-to-month basis. You are welcome to cancel at any time. However, we bet you’ll love composting and our services! We find our subscribers stick with it, as long as they remain in our service areas.
For those subscribers in it for the long haul – we offer annual rates at a discount!
Q: Do you service apartments. Or multi-unit buildings?
Sure do! When you subscribe, please enter in the notes field any important information to assist our drivers.
It's our goal to give everyone access to organic waste recycling, even those in multifamily complexes.
Q: I don’t think i can fill up an entire 5-gallon bucket with compostables in one week. do you offer bi-weekly pickups?
Unfortunately, due to VA DEQ regulations we are unable to provide bi-weekly pickups. We are required by law to attempt to pick up our members' waste at least once every 7 days, regardless of waste amount or face potential penalties (think similar to standard trash service providers). However, we are confident our extensive list of acceptable items can help you divert 50% of your trash or more.
If you just can’t commit to our weekly doorstep service, we recommend giving our flexible drop-off service option a try. Visit our Drop-off Service page for more details.
Q: I love this idea. And I think my neighbors would too. Do I get a discount for referring my friends or neighbors?
Yup! Refer your friends/neighbors and as a thank you, we offer a Give $10, Get $10 incentive. Both you and your referred subscriber will receive $10 off your next invoice. Members receive a unique url code within your Member Portal to easily recruit other composters. Once your referral is signed up, these credits will be assigned directly to your account!
Have 2 or more neighbors interested in composting? Create a “HUB”. Refer at least two other neighbors to sign up and place your bins together on pickup day – we call this a “HUB” stop (3 or more subscribers). Receive our special “HUB” pricing $28/month. You rock!
Q: Can I drop off my food waste?
Yes, please visit our Drop-off Service page for additional information on our locations and Drop-off program processes.
Drop-off service pricing is currently: $15/month
Q: What if my bucket is full and I have more scraps?
We run set routes each day to manage all our customers, and respectfully, cannot offer complimentary pickups of scraps that don’t fit in your designated bin. However, for an additional minimal fee ($8/month), we offer our customers an additional bucket. Please let us know if you’re interested in additional compost containers and we’ll adjust your subscription accordingly.
Q: Where should I leave my bucket for pickup?
Please place your compost bins near the front entrance of your building or residence by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. We ask that you please avoid leaving your bin curbside, as this can potentially confuse standard trash service providers.
We do not allow collections in backyards or on back porches for the safety of our drivers, and we ask that your bin(s) are visible from the street to ensure our drivers never miss them.
Please note that your designated pickup day could differ from your trash or recycling collection day.
Q: Do I need to be home for pickups or
when will my pickup be?
Nope! Just leave your bin near your front entrance on the day of your pickup and we’ll take care of the rest. Service occurs between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m – so it may take a few hours. If there’s ever any questions about your pickup, please feel free to give us a call or text.
Want to know when your service has occurred?
Members can opt into real-time service updates within your Member Portal.
Q: Do you send us a reminder before collection day?
Yes! We understand you have a busy schedule and may forget to place your bin outside for pickup. To help assist our subscribers, you’ll have the option to receive a text message and email reminder the night before pickup day. Members can enable these features within your Member Portal: Accounts & Billing -> Update Account Details.
Out of town and unable to participate in your weekly pickup? Let us know and we’ll credit your monthly invoice $5 for helping improve our route efficiency.
Q: I’m heading out of town. can i temporarily request service skips?
Yes! You can easily adjust your account if you’re heading out of town and unable to participate in your weekly pickup. Simply log-in to your Member Portal and select the “Skip Service” option. Select your out of town dates and you’re all set. We’ll happily credit your account $5 for helping improve our route efficiencies.
Please note - out of town service skips are strictly for members who are out of town and unable to participate in collections. We are required by law to attempt to pick up our members' waste at least once every 7 days, regardless of waste amount or face potential penalties (think similar to standard trash service providers).
Q: I forgot to put my bucket out for pickup and missed our service. our compost is completely full - can i request a rescheduled pickup?
Yes, we can happily come out to attempt to service your bin again on the next available route. However, a $10 charge will be applied to your service plan for the rescheduled service.
Drop-off Service
FAQS
Q: How much does drop-off service cost?
$15/month + one time $25 setup fee.
Q: HOW DOES DROP-OFF SERVICE WORK?
Check out our Drop-off “How To” video on our Drop-Off Service Page (Here)
Q: What’s included in my Drop-off subscription?
You’ll receive our composting starter kit that includes your very own 5 gallon bin with airtight lid, 2-gallon kitchen caddy, compostable liners for each container, and our Compostables List fridge magnet. Additionally, as a subscriber you will receive 2.5 gallons of compost 2x a year upon request through our “compost give-back” program. If you don’t have a need for your compost, we’re happy to donate it to one of our community composting partners. Please note - a minimum subscription of 3 months is required for our “compost give-back”.
Running low on 2-gallon liners for your kitchen caddy? Additional 2-gallon liners can be purchased for $4/roll (25 ct. per roll) from inside our Member Portal Shop. Simply purchase and your order will be delivered on our next available service date in your area.
Q: What can I compost in my bucket?
“If it grows, it goes!”
Here is a more detailed list of compostable items, as well as a link to our Drop-off Composting Guide.
Q: where can i drop-off my compostable collections?
Drop-off Locations:
Nimmo Community Garden
2040 Nimmo Church Ln, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Downtown Norfolk Community Garden
412 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Elizabeth River Project
4610 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23508
Lynnhaven River Now
3712 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Southern Branch Nursery
412 Benefit Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322
COVA Brewing Company
9529 Shore Drive, Norfolk, VA 23518
BoBo’s Fine Chicken
3139 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
7701 N Shore Road, Norfolk, VA 23505
Old Beach Farmers Market
(1st & 3rd Saturdays Spring-Summer 2024)
620 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Not the right site for you? Or think you know of a good location for drop-off or folks that would like to host? Follow us on Instagram @TidewaterCompost for new drop off site listings. DM or email, info@tidewatercompost.com for site suggestions.
Q: I'd like to try this out but I am worried that I will have to stop for any number of reasons. Do I have to make a long-term commitment?
Not to worry. We offer our services on a month-to-month basis. You are welcome to cancel at any time. However, we bet you’ll love composting and our services! We find our subscribers stick with it, as long as they remain in our service areas.
Q: Do I have to use a Tidewater Compost bin when collecting our compostables for drop-off?
No, you can use any bin/bucket you have on hand (up to a 5-gallon capacity); however, our provided BPI compostable liners are designed to fit your Tidewater Compost bins.
Q: Why is there a lock on the Drop-off Kiosk?
We lock the kiosk to provide access to only those that are members and good stewards of the composting program. Not only does this provide additional security, but it greatly cuts down on potential contamination from outside sources.
Q: Do I have to use compostable liners?
No, you are more than welcome to collect compostables directly into your bin of choice. However, utilizing bpi compostable liners make the composting process cleaner for all parties involved.
Q: I've chosen not to utilize your bpi compostable liners - how should I drop off my compostables?
We recommend keeping your compostables in your designated bin until arriving at the compost kiosk. Once there, simply dump the loose contents from your bin into the larger compost container(s) on site. Brown Paper bags are a great alternative to our BPI certified compostable liners and compost piles LOVE them (great carbon source). We recommend cleaning your compost bin with warm soapy water and drying after each drop-off visit.
Q: I've arrived at the kiosk and all the bins are full - what should I do?
Please reach out to Tidewater Compost immediately
Q: I've dropped off my compostables, but the bpi certified compostable liner dispenser is empty - what should I do?
Please reach out to Tidewater Compost and we'll make sure to replenish the dispenser as soon as possible. Until then, we recommend composting directly into your bin.
Q: Can I take more than one compostable liner from the dispenser on my visit?
In order to make sure all members have enough compostable liners for each service week, we ask that you please only take one liner at a time. Additional 8-Gallon and 2-Gallon BPI compostable liners can be purchased directly through your portal Shop. Rolls of 2-gallon liners for your kitchen caddy (25 ct./roll) can be purchased for $4/roll. Rolls of 8-gallon liners for your 5-Gallon Bin (25 ct./roll) can be purchased for $8/roll.
Additionally, you can order approved BPI certified compostable liners directly from our partner vendors at BioBag and/or EcoSafe. No other liner brands are approved for use at this time.
Q: Can I bring bags of yard debris to the drop-off kiosk for composting?
Unfortunately, due to capacity constraints, we cannot accept materials that do not fit into your designated composting bins. We hope to add a yard debris drop-off option in the near future.
Other FAQS
Q: What do I do if I lose my bucket?
Please email us (info@tidewatercompost.com) to let us know and we will arrange to bring you a new bucket. Please note we charge a replacement fee for Tidewater Compost bins lost, stolen, or damaged from your address ($15 - 5 gallon bin | $7 kitchen caddy)
Q: Do you service offices, restaurants,
breweries, or cafes?
Yes, we do! If your business is interested in diverting its organic waste and becoming more eco-friendly, please send us an email at info@tidewatercompost.com We’re happy to design a commercial service plan to address your composting needs.
Q: Can I buy finished compost from you?
Yes, currently we offer compost for sale in our 5-gallon burlap bags (roughly .75 cu. ft.) for $14.99 – delivery included. Bulk compost is available up to 1 cubic yard per delivery.
Please email info@tidewatercompost.com for a bulk compost quote.
Q: Won’t my compost bucket attract rodents or other unpleasant insects?
Compared to your kitchen trash can, composting in the backyard, or utilizing your curbside trash container, our air-tight sealable bucket is a secure option at preventing unwanted guests. We would recommend putting the lid on firmly after each use to stay diligent against nature’s forces.