Tempe makes changes to compost program

A new vendor provides residents composting services at discounted rates

Tempe, AZ - Tempe’s Solid Waste Services is changing the city’s compost buy-back program. Beginning in March 2023, the city will no longer sell compost at its Compost/Inert Yard located on Rio Salado; however, the city has contracted with a vendor that will continue to provide discounted composting services for Tempe residents.

Residents can visit Gro-Well Brands in Phoenix to purchase compost at a discounted rate starting in March 2023. Residents will need to provide proof of residency in the form of a current utility bill and ID.

Gro-Well Brands

2807 S. 27th Ave.
Phoenix

10 percent discount off bagged compost

with proof of Tempe residency (current utility bill or ID)

Product options and prices:

-1 cubic foot of Gro Well Premium Potting Soilretail $8.99 (GW60456)

-2 cubic foot of Gro Well Premium Potting Soil retail $12.99 (GW60480) 

-64 Qt Potting Soil retail $8.99 (GT21650) 

-2 cubic foot Composted Mulch retail $5.99 (GW61273) 

-1 cubic foot Regular Steer retail $2.99 (GW61143) 

-1.5 cubic foot Omni Seed Cover retail $7.99 (OMN71260) 

-1.5 cubic foot  Raised Garden Soil retail $12.99 (GW 61660)

As Solid Waste services are relocated to the new Tempe Municipal Operations Center because of size limitations of the new facility, coupled with increased operating costs and declining interest in the program, processing of green organic materials into compost will no longer be feasible.

The city remains committed to continuing green organics collection for reuse and there will be no changes to residential curbside or bulk green organic collection services. The changes in the program will allow the city to meet the Council’s sustainability priorities while also prioritizing fiscal responsibility. Using third-party vendors will result in cost-savings that will be passed on to residential customers.

“Tempe’s City Council has set a goal to divert citywide landfill use by 20% by 2025,” Solid Waste Services Field Operations Manager Aaron Rebmann said. “The approaching changes will not alter the city’s commitment to meet that goal.”

Learn more at tempe.gov/compost.