FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ-Table of Contents
Why Compost?
Why Compost?
1. To save money
By composting food waste, you significantly decrease the amount of material in your trash dumpster. This reduction allows you to lower the frequency of trash pickups and save money. For instance, one supermarket chain was able to cut costs by more than $20,000 per store annually!
2. It's the law
Since late 2022, MassDEP has required facilities generating over half a ton of food scraps weekly to separate compostable matter from regular waste. This helps Massachusetts reach its goal of diverting 35% of food scraps from landfills. Make sure your business meets this updated threshold to avoid fines. If not, CERO is here to help you get compliant! Feel free to take our 30-second waste assessment without any cost.
3. It's the future
Do you know that Massachusetts produces enough food waste to fill 20 Fenway Parks every year? Composting has big environmental benefits: it recycles nutrients from food scraps for healthier crops, reduces landfill waste, and cuts methane emissions that contribute to global warming. By composting, you're supporting a sustainable food cycle and helping combat climate change.
4. To support your community
Every scrap that CERO collects goes directly to neighborhood farms and gardens, supporting the agriculture that supplies nearby markets and grocery stores. By composting with CERO, you're joining a community effort to manage organic waste sustainably and support future generations.
Why CERO?
- Service quality: CERO goes above and beyond with customer service. We pay close attention to detail, ensuring composting barrels are thoroughly cleaned and kept insect-free after every service. This level of care extends to seamless operations, available even on weekends, to support businesses in fitting into daily operational needs or meeting regulations like the Massachusetts food waste ban. By partnering with CERO, organizations receive friendly, reliable, and environmentally responsible waste management services that prioritize cleanliness and customer satisfaction.
- 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. We return all collected waste as finished compost to community gardens, 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?
Where does CERO take your waste?
Can CERO pick up food waste from my home?
Can CERO pick up food waste from my home?
Is my business within CERO's service area?
CERO currently services businesses in the following areas: Boston, Brookline, Burlington, Cambridge, Chelsea, Dedham, Everett, Lawrence, Malden, Medford, Everett, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Somerville, Wellesley, Westwood, Wilmington, and Woburn.
If your location is not within this area, do not hesitate to drop us a line, and we'll see what we can do!
Where should I place my CERO bins?
Depending on the type of business or institution you are in, some locations for your bins will inherently work better than others. Many schools and restaurants put them in the kitchen. Offices might place them in their loading dock. Supermarkets and grocery stores tend to station them in the backrooms. We’ll help you find a spot that works for you, and CERO will be there to collect your food scraps when the time comes!
Do I have to clean my CERO bins myself?
We take care of that for you! According to an agreed-upon schedule, a CERO worker will arrive at your location, and wipe down your bin along with emptying out the food scraps. We make sure to leave it spotless so that no odors or insects build up over time.
How often do my food scraps get picked up?
We work with our partners to create a custom service schedule that works for both parties. Some businesses/institutions request daily pickups, others just need one per-week. For weekly/biweekly locations, we will likely stop by on the same day we are servicing other businesses in the area.
How large are CERO bins?
Our bins come in two different sizes. The larger of the two is 64 gallons, which is the most common size amongst our partners. If your location has space constraints you may request a 32-gallon bin that will fit your composting output better.
How many bins can I get?
Our bins come in two different sizes. The larger of the two is 64 gallons, which is the most common size amongst our partners. If your location has space constraints you may request a 32-gallon bin that will fit your composting output better.
Are bin-liners provided?
We provide liners for every bin we give you and replace them at every pickup. provide liners for every bin we give you and replace them at every pickup.
Do CERO bins have weight limits?
For safety reasons all waste collection containers are assigned a weight rating by their manufacturer, so yes, our bins like all others have a weight limit which determines the maximum weight capacity. Naturally, the 64 gallon ones will be able to support more food scraps than the 32 gallon option.
How does payment work?
Billing is based on your location and number of bins. Invoices are sent out during the first week of every month. All the instructions for payment will be clearly laid out in the attached email.
What's the best way to contact CERO?
We are always available if you need to reach us! Feel free to call or email us with any questions, concerns, or requests. You can reach us at support@cero.coop or give us a call at (617) 379-1234. We're here to help!
