Refuse Division

Worms As Co-Workers

Worm Composting is a Way to Manage Food Waste

December 1, 2010 | 2 min reading time

This article is 15 years old. It was published on December 1, 2010.

Got worms? Probably not. However, your work area probably generates food waste. In 2006-2007, food waste made up about 17% of the City of

St. Louis ' waste stream. How can we wiggle our way out of this waste? With worms! Vermicomposting (vermis is Latin for "a worm") is ideal for managing food waste, even in small areas likes offices and shops. We've had a worm composting bin in our office for a couple of months now. They're very comfortable in their worm bin, quietly dining on coffee grounds and food scraps (e.g., leftover bagels, stale crackers). There's no odor and no bugs. Little space is needed; our worm bin is about 2'x2'x2'.

If you're interested in composting the food waste in your office or work area, please contact the Refuse Division's Recycling Program by e-mail at recycle@stlouis.missouri.org , by fax at 314.352.5627, or by phone at 353.7176.

For information about composting with worms, please visit http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/worms/wormlist.htm.

 

Related Stories

  1. City Launches New Recovery Programs for St. Louisans Impacted by the May 16 Tornado Jul 01, 2025: These programs address urgent repair needs, provide trusted technical guidance, and protect homeowners from fraud or further damage.
  2. Roll Cart Trash Collection Schedule Adjusted to Accommodate Independence Day 2025 Jun 23, 2025: Schedule for roll carts will be adjusted to accommodate Independence Day observance on Friday, July 4, 2025
  3. City of St. Louis Water Division Lifts Precautionary Boil Advisory for Parts of South City Jun 19, 2025: The City Water Division has lifted the precautionary boil water advisory.

Related Services

  1. Residential Refuse Drop Off City Residents refuse dumping guidelines, hours and locations of Transfer Stations, including the types of refuse, bulk or yard waste the City will and will not accept.
  2. Locate Compost and Wood Chips Pick Up Sites Find locations where City of St. Louis residents can pick up compost and wood chips at no cost.
  3. Sewer Lateral Repair Program Sewer Lateral Repair Program covers repairs to sewer line under the right of way
  4. Prepare for Bulk and BOAT-E (Batteries-Oil-Appliances-Tires-Electronics) Item Pick-up and Disposal Instructions and services for pick up and collections for large/bulky Items and BOAT-E items (batteries, appliances, oil Appliances, tires, Electronics)
  5. Child Support Services Information and Overview to file with Child Support Services

Help Us Improve This Page

Did you notice an error? Is there information that you expected to find on this page, but didn't? Let us know below, and we'll work on it.

Was this page helpful?



Comments are helpful!
500 character limit

Feedback is anonymous.