FAQ

Why do you only have two options for weekly pickups?

Our business is small and just getting started. Each person holds multiple roles, from chicken care to desk work and everything in between. We schedule pickups twice a week to ensure there is enough time to manage all other aspects of the business with care. 

As our customer base grows and we can expand our team, all current customers will be offered the option to change to a new weekday.
If your bucket is full before your scheduled pickup, you are always welcome to drop it off for free at our main collection site in Ashland, MO or call for an Emergency Exchange.

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What can’t I put in the bucket?

The biggest issue for our staff? Produce stickers. Please, please check avocados, squash, bananas, and other produce skins before tossing them in.
Also, please do not include:

• Large amounts of paper (occasional paper napkins and a newspaper liner are okay)

• Coated paper products (e.g. waxed, glossy)

• Fabric, even natural fibers (they’re often stitched with synthetic thread)

• Glass, metal, or plastic (none of these break down into compost and should be recycled in your blue bags)

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What happens if I accidentally put the wrong thing in?

Don’t worry, everyone makes mistakes. If it’s a one-time whoops (like a rogue produce sticker or a bit of plastic wrap), we’ll catch it during sorting.
However, if we notice it happening often, you will receive a friendly reminder at your next exchange to help keep things 100% compostable.
If it becomes a regular occurrence, we reserve the right to cancel your subscription with advance notice.

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Do you take yard waste?

Can we say maybe?  If you are doing a major yard cleanup check in first, and we may be able to offer disposal options at a minimal charge. When we can accommodate, the answer is 

• YES: untreated grass clippings, small branches, leaves, garden trimmings

• NO: chemically treated grass, thorny branches, contact-irritant plants, or anything that could harm our birds.

The best place for unwanted yard waste is Capen Park.

 

What if my bucket goes missing or gets damaged?

If your bucket disappears into the great unknown, let us know and we will bring you a replacement. You will pay a new Bucket Buy-In.

Buckets that are cracked, warped, or no longer sealing properly will be swapped out; just shoot us a message or leave a note on pickup day. There is no charge if we are replacing a bucket from normal usage. We remove questionable buckets during the cleaning process to prevent you from having this issue.

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If it's just the lid that blows away, everyone gets one free replacement with a reminder that they MUST be fully locked down on exchange days.

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Can I get compost from Iffy Creek Compost Collective?

No. If compost becomes available, we’ll let all active customers know.

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Where does my food waste go?

Your food waste first serves as supplemental feed and scratch for our flocks of fowl. After some time, any remaining material (along with all that manure) is raked up and added to worm bins alongside rabbit droppings.
Once it’s been digested and sifted it becomes rich, usable compost for garden applications.

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What do I do if my bucket smells bad?

First, make sure your lid is tightly sealed between scrap additions; that’s the easiest way to keep odors in check.
Next, consider adding a layer of dry material: older grass clippings, fallen leaves, sawdust (from untreated wood), or black-ink newspaper work well.  In fact, many customers like to line their buckets with a sheet or two of newspaper every week to absorb extra liquid from things like tea bags and soft berries. A small sprinkle of baking soda can be a last resort.

Alternatively, customers in good standing can request two Emergency pickups per year, if the smell becomes unmanageable. Help is just a call or text away.

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What if I have too much food waste for my bucket?

Planning a big event like a neighborhood shrimp boil or clearing out your mother-in-law's pantry? You can request one extra bucket twice a year at no extra charge for the next week's scheduled exchange. Just shoot us a text message, email, or phone call.

You’re also welcome to:

• Upgrade your plan at any time

• Drop off your compost at the farm (and say "hi" to the birds!)

• Request an Emergency Pickup ( max of 2x/year for active customers)

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Can I skip or pause my pickup schedule?

Of course. If you need to miss your scheduled pickup, let us know at least 2 days in advance, and we will remove you from that week’s route or make a plan to exchange buckets on a different day.
If you chose to skip 3 or more pickups in a row, please contact us to pause your payment plan.

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How clean does my bucket need to be?

We handle the washing, but we appreciate it if you avoid tossing in excessive liquids that could spill or leak.

 

Do you accept compostable plastics or bioplastics?

We do not accept compostable or biodegradable plastics, even the ones labeled “home compostable.” Because we do not see your purchasing choices, we have no way of knowing if that clear wrap or spoon is biodegradable or not, and we do not want our birds interacting with anything that could cause them harm.