What We Do

Painted Bins fill a void in our parks and public spaces by offering compost bins for the appropriate disposal of food scraps. It is an initiative that uses children’s art to create awareness, while information retrieved through QR codes informs the public about the importance of diverting food waste from the landfill, and thus, greenhouses gases from the atmosphere.

Evoking Change Through Art

The artwork on the Painted Bins reflects the views of children and how they believe composting can help save the earth. Their artwork is inspiring, thought provoking, and is intended to lead to positive action with the disposal of food scraps. Painted Bins beautifies our parks by eliminating food scraps and turning an ordinary trash can into works of art.

 

Promoting Composting in Public Areas

It is Painted Bins’ mission to promote composting in public areas and close the loop on the recycling of food waste. Plants develop in soil to produce food, which is then eaten and enjoyed for human sustenance. When leftover, excess, or spoiled food is composted, it decomposes into nutrients that can be used as fertilizer in the soil to grow more food - it’s a beautiful cycle that should be practiced and encouraged by all.

 

Painted Bins address the needs and concerns of cities, haulers, and the public. The bins are:

  • Animal proof

  • Weather resistant

  • Fitted with foot pedals, making disposal hands free

  • ADA Compliant

  • Provided with locked interior bins for food collection

  • Equipped with interior bin rollers, making it easy for haulers to move 

 

Increasing Awareness

Painted Bins unites stakeholders (cities, schools, residents, businesses, and local haulers) in the fight against food waste. They will increase awareness about composting, environmental, and social impacts, all while helping California cities reduce their organic waste as required by Senate Bill 1383.

“With food composting becoming adopted throughout California, the Painted Bins program is targeting an overlooked aspect of those regulations, parks and public areas.”

— Dave Biggio, Mill Valley Refuse Owner