Composting

Turn Food Scraps into Something Good

Composting is an easy, natural way to recycle food scraps and yard waste instead of throwing them in the trash. When organic materials break down, they become nutrient-rich compost that improves soil, supports healthy plants, and reduces waste sent to landfills.

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, composting is a simple habit that can make a big difference for our community and our environment.

Why Compost?

Composting benefits you, the City, and the environment:

  • Reduces landfill waste – Food scraps and yard waste make up a large portion of household trash. Composting keeps them out of landfills.
  • Cuts greenhouse gas emissions – Organic waste in landfills produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Composting helps reduce these emissions.
  • Improves soil health – Compost enriches soil, helps retain moisture, and supports healthier plants and gardens.
  • Supports a cleaner community – Less trash means fewer odors, fewer pests, and lower disposal costs.
  • Creates a more sustainable city – Composting is a simple step residents can take to help Pembroke Pines protect natural resources.

What Can Be Composted?

Most composting programs and home compost systems accept:

Yes, compost these:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Tea bags (no plastic)
  • Eggshells
  • Leaves, grass clippings, and small yard trimmings
  • Paper towels and napkins (uncoated)

Please keep these out:

  • Meat, fish, and dairy products
  • Oils and greasy foods
  • Pet waste
  • Plastic, glass, or metal

How to Get Started

Composting doesn’t have to be complicated:

  1. Collect your scraps in a small kitchen container.
  2. Choose a compost option – backyard composting, explore potential community programs in your neighborhood or surrounding areas, or look into a compost collection service.
  3. Balance materials – mix food scraps (“greens”) with dry materials like leaves or paper (“browns”).
  4. Let nature do the work – over time, materials break down into compost you can use in gardens or landscaping.

Small Actions. Big Impact.

By composting, residents help reduce waste, protect the environment, and build a healthier, more sustainable Pembroke Pines. Even small changes at home can add up to meaningful results citywide.