Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Table of Contents
Why Compost?
Why CERO?
What Can I put in CERO bins?
Where does CERO take my food waste?
Can CERO pick up food waste from home?
Is my business within CERO's service area?
Where should I place my CERO bins?
Do I have to clean my CERO bins myself?
How often do my food scraps get picked up?
How large are CERO bins?
How many bins can I get?
Are bin-liners provided?
Do CERO bins have weight limits?
How does payment work?
What's the best way to contact CERO?

Why Compost?

1. To support your community
Food scraps CERO collects go to local farms, helping grow the fresh produce that stocks nearby markets and grocery stores. When you compost with CERO, you're part of a community-powered solution—supporting local agriculture, creating green jobs, and investing in a more sustainable future.n.

2. It’s the future
Massachusetts generates enough food waste each year to fill 20 Fenway Parks. Composting diverts this waste from landfills, cuts methane emissions, and returns nutrients to the soil. It’s a powerful way to fight climate change and strengthen our regional food system.

3. It’s the law
Since late 2022, Massachusetts requires businesses generating more than ½ ton of food waste per week to separate it from the trash. This law supports the state’s goal to divert 35% of food waste from landfills. Not sure if your business qualifies? Take our free W aste Assessment—we’ll help you stay compliant and avoid fines.

4. To save money
Composting reduces the volume of your trash, which can lower your waste hauling costs. It’s a smart way to cut expenses while doing good for the planet.

Why CERO?

Service quality: CERO delivers exceptional customer service with a focus on cleanliness, reliability, and care. We thoroughly clean composting barrels after every pickup and ensure they remain pest-free. Our attention to detail supports smooth operations for your business—whether you're navigating daily logistics or complying with regulations like Massachusetts' food waste ban. When you partner with CERO, you get friendly, dependable, and environmentally responsible service designed to meet your needs.
Community impact: As a worker-owned cooperative and certified minority and woman-owned business, CERO prioritizes economic empowerment within marginalized communities. We seek to create meaningful employment opportunities and promote equity while fostering a sense of community and shared prosperity.
Support for Local Agriculture: Unlike some haulers that transport organic waste to distant facilities, CERO partners with local, family-owned farms fostering a sustainable, circular food economy.
Data-driven innovations: At CERO, we employ advanced software and a data-driven approach to uncover valuable insights. By analyzing data, we discover hidden patterns that assist our business partners in reducing waste and optimizing costs. This dedication not only distinguishes us within the composting industry but also underscores our commitment to delivering eco-friendly, sustainable solutions that benefit both businesses and the environment.
Sustainability commitment: CERO is renowned for unwavering commitment to sustainability. We help organizations achieve their environmental goals by diverting food waste from landfills, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting a circular economy.

Where does CERO take your waste?

At CERO, we’re proud to be the only Boston-based hauler that keeps all the organic material we collect in the local food system—either as compost for farms or as animal feed. Depending on your location and the type of material, your food scraps may help grow fresh produce or nourish local livestock, supporting a circular and community-based economy.

In contrast, many haulers send food waste to facilities where it’s mixed into a slurry with chemicals and thickening agents, then processed alongside sewage and wastewater. While this method can generate energy through methane capture, the resulting byproduct—called digestate—is typically not suitable for growing food, which limits its role in closing the nutrient loop.

At CERO, we prioritize returning nutrients to the land and food system. Whether your scraps feed soil or animals, they’re put to work in ways that regenerate our environment and support local farmers. Want to know where your material goes? Just ask—we’re happy to share.

Can CERO pick up food waste from my home?

CERO is currently focused on commercial-scale compost pickup—serving supermarkets, schools, restaurants, and other businesses. While we don’t yet offer residential service, we’re actively working on plans to launch it soon.

Is my business within CERO's service area?

CERO currently services businesses across Metro Boston and the surrounding areas. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, feel free to reach out to us at support@cero.coop—we’re happy to check and let you know.

Where should I place my CERO bins?

The ideal bin location depends on your type of business. Schools and restaurants often keep bins in the kitchen, offices may use loading docks, and supermarkets typically place them in backrooms. Bins can also be placed outdoors in a designated area that’s accessible to our driver. We’ll work with you to find the best spot—and CERO will be there to collect when it’s time.

Do I have to clean my CERO bins myself?

We take care of everything for you. On your scheduled service day, a CERO team member will empty your bin and wipe it down to prevent odors and pests. We make sure it's clean and ready for continued use.

How often do my food scraps get picked up?

We collaborate with each partner to create a custom service schedule that fits their needs. Some businesses require daily pickups, while others prefer weekly, biweekly, or on-call service. For less frequent pickups, we group service by area whenever possible to reduce emissions and minimize environmental impact.

How large are CERO bins?

Our bins come in two sizes. The standard option is 64 gallons, which is the most popular among our partners. For locations with limited space or smaller composting volumes, a 32-gallon bin is also available upon request.

How many bins can I get?

We’ll work with you to determine the right number of bins based on your composting volume and space, but ultimately, you decide how many bins you need. We offer both 64-gallon and 32-gallon bins to fit different needs and locations.

Are bin-liners provided?

We re-line every bin at each pickup to keep things clean and hassle-free for your team.

Do CERO bins have weight limits?

For safety reasons, all waste collection containers have manufacturer-assigned weight limits. Our bins are no exception. The 64-gallon bins can hold more food scraps than the 32-gallon ones, but both have defined maximum weight capacities to ensure safe handling.

How does payment work?

Invoices are sent during the first week of each month. Payment instructions are included in the invoice email, so everything you need to complete payment will be clearly laid out.

What's the best way to contact CERO?

We're always here to help. If you have any questions, concerns, or requests, feel free to reach out. You can email us at support@cero.coop or call (617) 379-1234—we’re happy to assist.