Public Works

Composting

Composting is nature's way of recycling food and yard waste. It is a process that naturally occurs when organic materials are returned to the soil through decomposition.

Email us your questions about composting

Master Composter Class

Metro Beautification & Environment Commission, a division of Metro Public Works offers the Master Composter Class each fall. EMAIL US to be placed on the waiting list. The Master Composter Class is designed to provide practical and in-depth information about backyard composting techniques & bins and institutional & municipal composting techniques and issues. The purpose of the class is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills so that they can teach others the basics of backyard composting and be informed about composting possibilities in the community.

Visit our Backyard Composting Demonstration Site

Do you love your compost or compost bin? Send us a photo and description!

Compost Bins Available from Metro Beautification

To encourage backyard composting, Metro Beautification/Public Works has compost bins and supplies available at our Omohundro Convenience Center.

Omohundro Convenience Center
1019 Omohundro Place, Nashville, TN 37210
Hours: Tues. - Sat., 8:30am - 4:30p.m.
615-880-1955


Payment may be made in cash or by check (payable to Metro Public Works)

All sales are FINAL. No returns or exchanges.

If you have questions about the appropriateness of the composting bin for your situation, please read the compost information on this website before making your final selection.

Compost bin


The Earth Machine compost bin is available for $50 (price includes tax). This 80-gallon capacity bin is made of recycled plastic and has a screw-on lid. Perfect for composting leaves, lawn & garden clippings and vegetarian food scraps (no meat, fat or bones). Instruction booklet included.

The Green Cone Digester GreenCone
CURRENTLY THERE IS A LIMITED SUPPLY OF GREEN CONE DIGESTERS. PLEASE CALL(615) 880-1955 FOR AVAILABILITY.
Perfect for anyone who wants to dispose of their food scraps in their own yard, but doesn't want to make compost. This is a food scrap digester. Food waste placed in the Green Cone is digested by naturally occurring microbes and decomposers found in the soil. This composter accepts ALL FOOD WASTE, including meat and bones! The photo shows the Green Cone placed in a raised bed. See how the Green Cone works.
Cost is $110.

Compost thermometerHow hot's your pile?" find out by using a compost thermometer! Place the 20” thermometer stem into your compost pile to find out if it is in the steady (80-100 degrees F), active (100 – 130 degrees F) or hot (130 – 160 degrees F) zone! Comes with a composting guide to help you interpret the temperature readings. Sold at cost, $15.

Kitchen BucketNeed a way to collect kitchen scraps?
Plastic kitchen container available for $10.

Composting at school School Composting Information

  • Compost bins for education: Schools are eligible to receive free and/or loaner compost bins.
  • Worm bins for education: Schools may apply for a loaner worm bin.