FAQs
Q: What area do you service?
A: We service the Cortland and McGraw, NY areas. To view our map, click here. If you would like us to service your area, reach out to us on our contact page.
Q: What is compostable?
A: If its edible, we can compost it! We take all food scraps, eggshells, nuts, garden scraps, and fruit skins (please remove the stickers!). We also accept all uncoated paper and cardboard including pizza boxes, uncoated paper plates, paper towels, coffee filters, napkins and paper bags. Please recycle cardboard, unless it is spoiled with other food waste or oils. Additionally, we accept all forms of yard debris excluding wood and branches! For more information on what is accepted please visit the our list of accepted items.
If you are using compostable “plastic” wear and other products, please ensure it is either third-party tested to meet the standards ASTM D6400 or ASTM D6868, or has a BPI certified compostable logo. If a product does not meet these standards, we do not haul it and we do not recommend attempting to compost such a products in a home compost.
Q: What time can I expect pickups?
A: Pickups begin at 7am and can happen as late as 7pm. The routes created for our drivers fluctuate, so we recommend you put your bucket out the night before pickup.
Q: How do I change my address?
A: If you're planning on continuing our pickup service, but are moving to a new address simply send us a message about your move and any other changes you would like to make.
Q: Where do you take our compost?
A: South Hill Compost brings your compost to our small facility, where we compost it on site. Additionally, we are working to partner with local farms and community gardens to provide them with compost material, improving productivity and capacity — creating a closed loop food production, consumption and disposal system.
Q: How can I cancel or upgrade my service?
A: Please send us a message and let us know any changes you would like to make.
Q: Can I use compostable bags in my bucket?
A: Yes, but make sure they are truly compostable. This means they are either third-party tested to meet ASTM D6400 or ASTM D6868, or has a BPI certified compostable logo.
Please do not tie knots with your compostable bags as they will not break down in a timely manner.
Beware of certain Amazon products that are not certified compostable! Many products claim to be compostable but do not have any certifications.
Q: Can I use "biodegradable" products?
A: No! "Biodegradable" is not synonymous with "compostable". Although a product may biodegrade within 20 years, it would not be compostable in a facility that must break down waste into a useable product within a few months. However, biodegradable garbage bags are a good choice for landfilling waste instead of using a plastic garbage bag.
Q: Will my bucket attract wildlife?
A: The buckets we provide to our customers seal airtight. As long as the outside of the bucket is clean and the bucket is sealed tightly, no animals will be attracted to your food scraps.
Q: Why don't you service my town?
A: We would love to grow our business to serve your community, if you would like us to consider servicing your town, please send us a message so we can know you have interest in composting with us.
Q: How can I enroll in text reminders?
A: If you would like to be reminded the day before your pickup, please send us a message with your mobile phone number and your address.
Q: How can I opt-out of text reminders?
A: Reply "stop" to any of the text reminders you have previously received.
Q: What happens when there is a snowstorm?
A: We will always try to serve our customers even in poor weather conditions. Please be aware that if your bucket is buried in the snow, our drivers may not be able to find it. If your bucket is missed on your scheduled pickup date, please send us a message to let us know.