New Bucket System FAQ

We’re making a small shift that supports a big goal: expanding access to community composting across Kauai. Here's what you need to know!

What is the new bucket system?

Starting this summer, we will be transitioning away from individual bucket washing and moving to BPI-certified compostable liners in each bucket. Instead of swapping and cleaning buckets each week, we’ll provide a quick curbside wipe-down and return your bucket right away. Members will be responsible for occasional deep cleaning but we’ll kick things off with a full deep clean of every bucket before the new system starts.

why the change?

Bucket washing has become unsustainable due to labor and time demands. By using compostable liners, we’ll save space in our truck, reduce handling time, and be able to service more households. This model also prepares us for a future where the County may not provide washing and sanitation services. Piloting a system that is feasible at a community level scale and beyond is an integral step for the change and commitment we hope to see in our community.

when will the new system with compostable liners begin?

We’ll begin testing our new liner system throughout July, starting with one route and adding more each week. Our goal is to fully transition all curbside members by August 4th. Please watch your email for the start date specific to your route—and check your spam folder to ensure our updates aren’t getting lost. If you didn’t receive our July Newsletter, you may need to mark us as a safe sender.

Do I need to buy the compostable liners myself?

Nope! Compost Kauaʻi will provide all liners as part of your curbside service. To reduce contamination, please only use the liners we provide in our buckets. Other bags—even those labeled compostable—will not be accepted. Even while labeled “compostable,” not all products are and there is a lack of Federal regulation for products sold to consumers.

What if my liner rips or leaks?

No problem. We’ve selected high-quality liners that are large enough to hold your weekly food scraps without sagging or tearing. Each week, our driver will remove the liner and wipe your bucket with disinfectant to keep things clean.

Should I tie my bag closed before putting it out on my service day?

Nope! Since we are not composting the bags in our piles at this time we will be dumping the food scraps out of the bag (to reduce tears) at the curb. If the bag is tied we cannot easily dump the food scraps out. Please don’t tie your bag when putting your bucket out on your service day.

How often should I deep clean my bucket now?

We recommend monthly deep cleaning or as needed. If your bucket starts to smell or gets especially dirty, give it a rinse. Personally, we hose our buckets out each time we empty them into our home compost piles—this simple habit has worked well for us, for years.

How should I clean my bucket at home?

A garden hose rinse is usually enough. A scrub brush and dish soap can help, but aren’t required. For persistent odors, you can rinse your bucket with water containing a splash of bleach or vinegar, or let it soak in a bleach solution in your yard. Sunlight and bleach together are great for sanitizing—and bleach evaporates safely when exposed to heat.

Are the liners truly compostable?

Yes, by current standards our liners are certified compostable by trusted organizations including:

• ASTM D6400 (U.S.), EN 13432 (Europe), AS4736 (Australia)

• Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)

• Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA)

• TÜV AUSTRIA (OK Compost Industrial & Home)

• Non-GMO Project Verified and FDA-approved for food contact

Importantly, BPI certification means they’re free of PFAS (forever chemicals). That said, because of ongoing research into how some bioplastics affect soil and microbial life, we are not composting these bags on-site at this time. We're testing these liners as a way to improve hygiene and efficiency, and we'll continue to monitor their performance closely.

Will this change increase my membership fee?

No. Your membership fee will remain the same.

Our goal with this update is to move toward a more sustainable system—both environmentally and operationally—so we can continue offering this service long into the future. For the past five years, our program has relied heavily on unpaid labor from volunteers, family, friends, and founders. While we’ve tried to keep our Membership price at a level we believed was reasonable for our community, our actual costs to provide the service have continued to exceed the Membership price.

By piloting these compostable liners, we hope to streamline our process and reduce time spent on cleaning and handling buckets. If this change helps us cut operating costs, we may be able to lower the Membership fee in the future to allow more residents to join us. We’ll be closely tracking costs during this transition and will share updates as we go.

How does this change help expand composting on Kauaʻi?

The liner system frees up time and labor that we currently spend washing buckets. This means we can focus more energy on expanding composting to more homes, businesses, and schools island-wide. A cleaner, faster, and more scalable process will help us grow a more accessible and inclusive composting movement on Kauaʻi.

Will Compost Kauaʻi ever deep clean my bucket again?

Yes, we have discussed an annual deep clean and quality inspection of all buckets. We will announce this and keep you updated.

Can I still use paper bags instead of the new liners?

Paper bags helped with reducing bucket mess and added valuable carbon to our piles. However, they don’t fully line the bucket, and food scraps often spill into the bucket. For this reason, we are encouraging everyone to use the new compostable liners during this transition period.

Can I opt out of the new system and stick with the old method?

At this time, we’re transitioning all members to the new liner system, which aligns better with our cost structure and service goals. If you're interested in returning to a premium bucket-swap service in the future, please let us know—this may be available at a higher membership tier.

What happens if I forget to clean my bucket and it gets gross?

No worries. Our driver will be wiping down your bucket weekly. You’re still encouraged to give your bucket a deeper clean from time to time, especially if you notice any smell or residue on the walls of the bucket.

Can I use my own bags or liners instead?

We ask that all members only use the liners provided by Compost Kauaʻi to ensure consistent service and reduce contamination in our final compost product.

Will the curbside wipe-down be every week?

Yes! Each week, your bucket will be wiped down with disinfectant after the liner is removed.

How can I give feedback on how the new system is working?

We’d love to hear from you! Email us anytime at aloha@compostkauai.org with questions, concerns, or suggestions.