Composting and Yard Waste
What is Composting?
Composting is nature’s way of recycling. More specifically, it is the natural process of decomposition and recycling of organic material (i.e. yard waste such as grass clipping, leaves and twigs, paper towels, food waste) into a humus-rich soil amendment known as compost.
Why compost yard waste?
Yard waste is banned from Iowa landfills, pursuant to the Iowa Waste Reduction and Recycling Act of 1989.
Burning leaves and other yard waste pollutes the air and can lead to uncontrolled fires. Most communities ban or restrict leaf burning.
Compost is earth-friendly, benefits your yard, saves money and composting is easy.
Davenport Compost Facility
The Davenport Compost Facility recycles yard, garden and tree trimmings from the City of Davenport, Bettendorf and surrounding Scott County communities. Click here for more information.
Backyard Composting
Getting started may not be as hard as you think. Some people choose to:
- Start with an open compost pile.
- Purchase a compost bin. Several options are available online and through home-improvement retailers.
- Build a compost bin.
Composting Resources
Waste Commission of Scott County is not the expert on composting. After all, yard waste is not accepted at any of our facilities. Below are resources from other agencies, as well as links to more information about how to get started, what to compost, how to build a bin, troubleshooting, etc.
Download PDF [Composting Nature's Recycling] Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Download PDF [Questions About Composting] Source: Iowa State University
Download PDF [Composting Yard Waste] Source: Iowa State University Extension Office
U.S. EPA
University of Illinois Extension
Earth Machine™
Yard Waste Best Management Practices
Landscaping with native wildflowers and grasses improves the environment. Once established, native plants do not need fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or waters, thus benefiting the environment and reducing maintenance costs. Find out more information on native plants at Iowa Living Roadside's website.