🌱 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Introduction
Have questions about curbside composting?
We’re here to help! Below are answers to the most common questions about South Hill Compost’s food scrap collection service in Cortland County. If you don’t see your question, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help.
🪣 Service & Sign-Up
How do I sign up for service?
Simply visit our Sign Up page and choose the plan that best fits your needs. Once submitted, we’ll confirm that you’re within our service area and coordinate delivery of your compost bucket.
What areas do you serve?
We currently serve Cortland County, New York, including Cortland, Homer, McGraw, and nearby communities. If you’re unsure whether you’re within our service area, please contact us.
What happens after I sign up?
After signing up:
We confirm your service area.
We deliver your compost bucket.
You begin filling it with accepted food scraps.
We collect or swap your bucket on your scheduled pickup day.
Do I need to be home for pickup?
No. Simply place your bucket at the curb or designated pickup location on your scheduled day, and we’ll take care of the rest.
What if I forget to put my bucket out?
If you miss a pickup, just contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you on the next collection day or arrange an on-demand pickup.
🍎 Accepted Materials
What can I put in my compost bucket?
We accept a wide range of food scraps, including:
Fruits and vegetables
Meat and bones
Dairy products
Bread, pasta, and grains
Coffee grounds and filters
Eggshells
Nuts and shells
What items are not accepted?
Please avoid placing the following in your bucket:
Plastic or bioplastics
Glass or metal
Liquids like oils or grease
Pet waste
Yard waste (unless otherwise specified)
Can I use compostable liners?
Yes! Certified compostable liners (such as BPI-certified bags) are acceptable and can help keep your bucket clean.
🚛 Pickup & Operations
How often are pickups?
We offer several service options to fit your needs:
Monthly
Bi-Monthly
Weekly
On-Demand
Will the bucket smell or attract pests?
When the lid is kept closed, odors and pests are minimal. To further reduce odors, you can:
Store the bucket in a shaded area.
Freeze especially odorous scraps until pickup.
Use compostable liners or wrap scraps in newspaper.
Do you operate during the winter?
Yes! Composting continues year-round. We adjust our operations as needed to ensure reliable service even during colder months.
What happens to the food scraps after collection?
Collected materials are composted locally and transformed into nutrient-rich soil amendments that support healthy gardens and landscapes.
🌿 Compost & Sustainability
Do customers receive finished compost?
We periodically offer finished compost to our customers when available. Stay tuned for announcements about compost giveaways or purchase opportunities.
Why is composting important?
Composting:
Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Lowers greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane.
Enriches soil and supports local agriculture.
Helps close the loop between food waste and soil health.
Is South Hill Compost locally owned?
Yes! South Hill Compost is a locally owned and operated business dedicated to serving the Cortland County community and promoting environmental sustainability.
💳 Billing & Account Management
How does billing work?
Billing is based on the service plan selected during sign-up. Payment details are provided during the onboarding process.
Can I change or pause my service?
Absolutely. If your needs change or you require a temporary pause (such as for seasonal travel), simply contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.
What if I decide to cancel my service?
You may cancel your service at any time. We’ll coordinate the return of your compost bucket and finalize any outstanding billing.
📞 Still Have Questions?
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, we’d love to hear from you!
South Hill Compost
📧 Email: info@southhillcompost.com
🌐 Website: www.southhillcompost.com
📍 Serving Cortland County, NY