Miami's Composting Pilot Program

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The City of Miami, in partnership with Compost for Life, has launched a Composting pilot program from May 1 – July 31, 2026, at five designated locations across the City. Compostable materials can be dropped off at designated sites.

Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It utilizes natural processes to transform food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. As Miami-Dade County’s landfills near full capacity, composting is an easy way to reduce trash and create benefits for our environment.

WHAT

The City's has launched a composting pilot program at five designated locations for residents to bring compostable materials from May 1st -July 31st, 2026. This structured, three-month, five location pilot will equip the City of Miami with clear, measurable data on operational needs, community participation, environmental outcomes, and long-term feasibility.

WHERE

The City of Miami is accepting compostable materials at the following five sites during the pilot program. These composting bins are padlocked, so you need to register online to receive the code to unlock, or scan the QR code on the bins at each site. 

  • Charles Hadley Park (1300 NW 50th St, Miami, FL 33142)
    Compost drop-off hub is located in the parking lot east of the Carrie P. Meek Senior Center.
  • Miami Riverside Center (444 SW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33130)
    Compost drop-off hub is located near the entrance of the parking garage at the front of the building.
  • Miami City Hall (3500 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133)
    Compost drop-off hub is located to the left of the entrance to City Hall.
  • Morningside Park (750 NE 55th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137)
    Compost drop-off hub is located behind the community center.
  • Shenandoah Park (1800 SW 21st Ave, Miami, FL 33145)
    Compost drop-off hub is located inside the park on SW 21st Ave near the Shenandoah Branch Library.

View list of permanent compost drop-off sites within Miami-Dade County.

WHEN

  • May 1st – July 31, 2026
  • Miami City Hall and Miami Riverside Center drop-offs can be accessed 24/7

  • Park drop-offs can be accessed during park hours

HOW & WHAT TO COMPOST

  • Accepted Materials include fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta, rice, grains, nuts, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, brown paper, non-glossy paper, paper towels, and animal protein (raw or cooked).
  • Do Not include liquids, grease, fat, or oil. Do Not leave your compost in a plastic bag or container.

How to Compost at the Miami Pilot Program Locations: 

  1. Register online or scan the QR code on a bin at one of our drop-off hubs.
  2. Check your email for confirmation and a secure access code to unlock the bin.
  3. Use the access code to unlock the compost bin and drop off your scraps. Look for the pink bins!

How Does Composting Help Miami?

1.        Reduced Landfill Stress: Miami-Dade County’s landfills are nearing capacity. Composting can help reduce the amount of waste going to the landfills, extending their utilization, and keeping waste hauling costs low.

2.        Reduces Emissions: Composting significantly cuts methane emissions from landfills. By diverting food scraps, we prevent organic waste from breaking down in oxygen-starved environments and creating greenhouse gases.

3.        Healthier Soil: It returns essential nutrients back to the Earth, supporting healthier City parks and green spaces in Miami.

4.        Water Conservation: The use of compost helps soil retain moisture, which is vital for our city’s resilience against flooding, heat, and drought.

5.        Water Quality: When used in place of fertilizer, compost can decrease nutrients in urban runoff which will help restore water quality in Biscayne Bay.   

 

Other Ways to Compost

Compost in your Backyard

Residents can compost food scraps and yard waste in their backyard using simple compost bins, tumblers, or worm composting systems.

Helpful resources:

Use a Compost Pick-Up Service

Residents can subscribe to local compost collection services that pick up food scraps and compostable materials directly from homes or apartments. Companies typically offer pickup weekly or bi-weekly. Here are companies that provide this service in Miami (prices vary):

Utilize Community Drop-Off Sites

Residents can also use local, permament drop-off locations and community compost programs. These programs accept food scraps in designated collection bins at community gardens, farmers markets, and sustainability hubs throughout Miami.

View this map for locations and details of Compost Drop-Off sites throughout South Florida. 

 

Community Events

Learn more at our Community Activation Events:

  • May 13, 2026 – Morningside Park (750 NE 55th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137): 2p.m. - 6p.m.
  • May 14, 2026 – Shenandoah Park (1800 SW 21st Ave, Miami, FL 33145): 2p.m. - 6p.m.
  • May 15, 2026 – Charles Hadley Park (1300 NW 50th St,   Miami, FL 33142): 2p.m.- 6p.m.

Keep an Eye out for Drop-Off Bins

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