Household Composting FAQs
Bristol Living Compost Project
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Got questions about buckets, collections, or how it all works? You’re in the right place.
What is the Bristol Living Compost Project?
A household membership run by Generation Soil.
It keeps food waste in Bristol, composts it biologically, and returns it to local soil as living compost.
Who can join?
Anyone living in Bristol within our collection area.
For schools, organisations, and businesses, we offer a separate service.
What food waste can I put in the bucket?
You can add:
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fruit and vegetables
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cooked food and leftovers
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bread, rice, pasta, grains
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tea bags and coffee grounds
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dairy and small bones
Avoid:
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plastic or packaging
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liquids or large amounts of oil
Bokashi fermentation makes this more flexible than traditional composting.
Will it smell?
No.
Fermentation prevents rotting, suppresses odours, and stops flies and maggots.
Buckets are sealed and suitable for indoor use, even in flats.
How often are collections?
We operate weekly routes across Bristol.
But collections are request-based, not automatic.
You request a swap when your bucket is full.
For most households, that’s anywhere from:
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once a week
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to once every few months
This keeps the system flexible and low-impact.
Where does my food waste go?
Your food waste:
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stays in Bristol
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is fermented and composted locally
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becomes living compost
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returns to gardens and growing spaces
It doesn’t go to landfill.
It doesn’t leave the city.
Do I get compost back?
Yes, depending on your membership and preference.
You can:
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receive compost
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donate it locally
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support community growing
Most members take compost a few times a year, often in the growing season.
What is living compost?
Compost rich in microbial life, organic matter, and plant-available nutrients. It:
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improves soil structure
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increases water retention
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supports biodiversity
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feeds soil life as well as plants
How is this different from council collection?
Council systems often prioritise removal.
This system focuses on regeneration.
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food waste stays local
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nutrients return to Bristol soil
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compost supports real growing spaces
Is this suitable for flats?
Yes.
No garden needed.
No outdoor bin required.
Buckets are compact, sealed, and designed for indoor use.
What if I don’t need compost?
No problem.
Your share can be:
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donated to community gardens
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used in schools
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returned to shared growing spaces
You’re still contributing to soil regeneration.
Can I change or cancel my membership?
Yes.
You can upgrade, downgrade, pause, or cancel at any time.
Is this a subscription or a service?
It’s both.
You’re not paying for waste removal.
You’re participating in a local system that turns food waste into soil.
Do you offer support?
Yes.
You’ll receive:
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guidance on using the system
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access to workshops and events
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help whenever you need it