Seeds of potential: beginner garden and compost education store.
Sprouted From Wompost: women-owned compost.
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We are a neighborhood workers co-op in Northwest Aurora. We started in compost pick-up, grew into hard-to-recycle items, and are now growing plants in upcycled containers while we educate the community on the benefits of composting!
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Seeds of potential
Why are you in a bus?
Wompost is committed to decreasing our carbon footprint throughout every branch of our business. The storefront is housed on a transit bus that runs on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). CNG is a readily available alternative to gasoline. It is made by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. We took upcycling a step further by turning the bus into our storefront. The bus is currently closed for reconstruction and winterization.
What is upcycling?
Upcycling (or creative reuse) is the process of taking something that is considered waste and re-purposing it. The upcycled item typically becomes more functional or visually appealing than it previously was. Upcycling is a great way to creatively reuse materials and reduce our footprints. On the flip side, the recycling process is considered downcycling because it takes items and breaks them down to reuse them. Composting, recycling, and upcycling are important climate change fighting tasks, as they reuse materials instead of adding them to landfills.
Community education and Events
We believe in the potential of every thing and being to grow into something great, so we will be setting up virtual and socially distanced workshops and classes. We are excited to educate the masses on how composting and upcycling can positively affect our planet. One of the ways we are keeping up that momentum is by showing off plants that have been grown in compost by Aurora's local farmers and upcycling items into garden art for the community to proudly display. Come by the bus to check out our "Compostable vs. Not Compostable" display tank and learn a bit more about the best Compost Stew ingredients!
Our first event will be a community painting event to decorate the outside of the bus! We will be posting on Instagram and Facebook about the event. Stay on the lookout for the posts about volunteering to help paint the bus.
Our first event will be a community painting event to decorate the outside of the bus! We will be posting on Instagram and Facebook about the event. Stay on the lookout for the posts about volunteering to help paint the bus.
Reasons to Compost
help the environment
By composting, the average family can divert 500 pounds of waste from filling landfills and polluting our air and water supply. Composting fights climate change, effectively and simply.
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Reduce your trash
Wompost's process is simple. We charge a monthly fee to pick up food waste every week. We're here so that one day you can cancel your trash service! Check out Wompost's blog for an account of a zero waste household goal.
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Build Healthy SoilPlants love compost. It is a key ingredient to a healthy farm, garden, or lawn. It absorbs more water, and holds it for roots. It makes minerals more available to the plants, and makes space for roots.
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Products
We offering a variety of compostable goods, starter house plants, starter herb gardens, and upcycled garden art!
Order online, Have it delivered!
We are offering online purchases with delivery of our compostable goods. Once we receive your order, we will arrange for the shipping or delivery of your products. We are available M - F 9 am - 5 pm. The bus store is currently closed for reconstruction and winterization, so all orders must be placed online.
Picnic Set for 4
$9.50
The set includes plates, cups, utensils, and a waste bag, all nicely packaged in a complimentary tote for your carrying pleasure. This completely compostable set will make for a great picnic outing with the kids or friends!
Tote bags
$5.00
Our tote bags are made out of 100% cotton, making them compostable once their usefulness has expired.
Compostable Cold Cups 12oz (pack of 10)
$2.50
Showcase your commitment to the environment with these compostable cold drink cups. Strong and durable, these cold cups provide a renewable way for you to save resources without compromising performance. Made from PLA, a plant-based plastic, these cups are 100% BPI certified compostable and ASTM compliant.
Birch Wood Cutlery (8 sets of forks/spoons/knives per box)
$3.50
This wooden cutlery set is made from high-quality birch wood that is taken from re-harvested plantation forests. And since birch is a hardwood, the edges are even smoother than other wooden disposable cutlery on the market, which makes them completely safe for children to use. No toxins, no chemicals, just high-quality disposable utensils made from natural and renewable resources. These FSC-Certified 100% biodegradable and compostable knives can cut steak, and the forks can handle salads with ease. And the disposable wooden cutlery works well with hot or cold foods. Each box comes with 8 wood knives, forks, and spoons made from renewable birch, a hardwood that is attractive and doesn't split or splinter easily.
Palm Leaf Bowls (pack of 10)
$5.00
Disposable palm leaf bowls are naturally beautiful dinnerware made from fallen palm leaves. These dinner and dessert bowls are engineered to be more than durable. With something this beautiful and this strong, you will be surprised that these palm leaf bowls are designed for one use. Their natural beauty and strength make them the perfect single-use tableware, suitable for any occasion. 100% natural, biodegradable, and compostable.
Palm Leaf Plates (pack of 10)
$5.50
Disposable palm leaf plates are naturally beautiful dinnerware made from fallen palm leaves. These dinner and dessert plates are engineered to be more than durable. With something this beautiful and this strong, you will be surprised that these palm leaf plates are designed for one use. Their natural beauty and strength make them the perfect single-use tableware, suitable for any occasion. 100% natural, biodegradable, and compostable.
Pine Wood Boat Bowls (pack of 10)
$5.00
The disposable wooden boats are made from pine wood. These FSC-certified wooden boats are also completely biodegradable and compostable. So if you are looking for an all-natural way to serve side dishes that will leave a lasting impression without lasting in a landfill for years to come, look no further.
Meet Our Team
CArolyn Pace
OwnerCarolyn started Wompost in 2018 to finally bring compost collection to her own home in Aurora. She loves big trucks, overalls, eating yummy local food, and sustainability. You can find her at the climbing gym or out dancing most evenings.
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Taylor Best-Anderson
Store & Operations ManagerTaylor started working for Wompost in January of 2020. She started as a drop-off customer! She loves good food, healthy living, dancing, and the mountains. When the upcycling items into garden art ends for the day, she's an energy practitioner with a reiki practice.
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Alex Perez
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Wompost In The News
The road from pageant princess to composting queen. Aurora Sentinel, 2/23/2020
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Featured in Aurora TV on 2/26/2020, and 4/24/2019
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Contact Us
Want to learn more? We'd love to meet up in the neighborhood for a cup of tea and chat!
wompostcoop@gmail.com * (720) 446-8948
wompostcoop@gmail.com * (720) 446-8948
Composting education
Q: What can I compost with Wompost?
FOOD SCRAPS: Baked goods, Bones, Bread, Cereal, Cheese, Coffee grounds, Dairy products, Eggs & eggshells, Fish, Fruits, Gravy & sauces, Meat, Nuts, Pasta, Peanut butter, Pizza, Poultry, Processed foods, Rice, Salads, Sandwiches, Spoiled or moldy food, Vegetables, Fruit Peals, Fruit Pits
NON-RECYCLABLE PAPER: Shredded paper, Coffee filters, Facial tissue, Greasy pizza boxes, Paper bags, Paper napkins, Non-coated paper plates, Paper towels, Tea bags, Small paper items, Plain white tissue paper, Waxed cardboard, and Wax paper
YARD DEBRIS: Flowers, Grass clippings, Houseplants, Leaves, Plant trimmings, Small branches (no larger than 4 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter), and Weeds
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: Pet hair, human hair, vacuuming contents (except plastic), Wooden chopsticks, and Stir Sticks, BPI certified compostable items (K cups, drinking cups, utensils, etc)
FOOD SCRAPS: Baked goods, Bones, Bread, Cereal, Cheese, Coffee grounds, Dairy products, Eggs & eggshells, Fish, Fruits, Gravy & sauces, Meat, Nuts, Pasta, Peanut butter, Pizza, Poultry, Processed foods, Rice, Salads, Sandwiches, Spoiled or moldy food, Vegetables, Fruit Peals, Fruit Pits
NON-RECYCLABLE PAPER: Shredded paper, Coffee filters, Facial tissue, Greasy pizza boxes, Paper bags, Paper napkins, Non-coated paper plates, Paper towels, Tea bags, Small paper items, Plain white tissue paper, Waxed cardboard, and Wax paper
YARD DEBRIS: Flowers, Grass clippings, Houseplants, Leaves, Plant trimmings, Small branches (no larger than 4 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter), and Weeds
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: Pet hair, human hair, vacuuming contents (except plastic), Wooden chopsticks, and Stir Sticks, BPI certified compostable items (K cups, drinking cups, utensils, etc)
Q: Does composting spread Coronavirus?
A: Short answer, no, if we do it correctly. The virus is similar to many other viruses that have been tested in compost piles. When done correctly, the process of composting kills all of the virus. The US Composting Council is testing whether the coronavirus dies at temperatures in commercial compost piles, and is optimistic it will also be eradicated. Our other worry is transmitting coronavirus from bucket to bucket, since the virus might be viable on plastic for multiple days. If we use correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitize each bucket, we can stop the virus. Right now, we wear masks and sanitize our gloves between every single house. You can help by washing your bucket each week.
A: Short answer, no, if we do it correctly. The virus is similar to many other viruses that have been tested in compost piles. When done correctly, the process of composting kills all of the virus. The US Composting Council is testing whether the coronavirus dies at temperatures in commercial compost piles, and is optimistic it will also be eradicated. Our other worry is transmitting coronavirus from bucket to bucket, since the virus might be viable on plastic for multiple days. If we use correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitize each bucket, we can stop the virus. Right now, we wear masks and sanitize our gloves between every single house. You can help by washing your bucket each week.
Q: What is the green bag? Do I have to use it?
A: We source our bags from EcoSafe, and give you a new one each week. The bags are basically made from cornstarch and other plant-based resins. If you line your bucket with the bags, it makes our job much easier, since we load and unload by hand. Please use it. If you want to source your own bags, make sure they are BPI-certified compostable. Some people use little bags in a kitchen unit, and put them all in the bin for pickup. This is a great solution for zero mess.
A: We source our bags from EcoSafe, and give you a new one each week. The bags are basically made from cornstarch and other plant-based resins. If you line your bucket with the bags, it makes our job much easier, since we load and unload by hand. Please use it. If you want to source your own bags, make sure they are BPI-certified compostable. Some people use little bags in a kitchen unit, and put them all in the bin for pickup. This is a great solution for zero mess.
Q: Can you take raw meat?
A: No, this could spread disease with our workers. However, if you microwave the meat for 5 minutes, that should kill any bacteria. Then go ahead and compost.
A: No, this could spread disease with our workers. However, if you microwave the meat for 5 minutes, that should kill any bacteria. Then go ahead and compost.
Q: Can you take compostable diapers? How about pet waste?
A: Unfortunately, no. They could spread disease with our workers. You can contact EnviroWagg about doggy doo pickup!
A: Unfortunately, no. They could spread disease with our workers. You can contact EnviroWagg about doggy doo pickup!
Q: Can you take used tissues?
A: Broadly, no. If they were used for the flu, or a bloody nose, this could spread disease with our workers. However, if they are used for non-contagious purposes (like a good cry), it should be ok. Use your judgement, and please keep us safe!
A: Broadly, no. If they were used for the flu, or a bloody nose, this could spread disease with our workers. However, if they are used for non-contagious purposes (like a good cry), it should be ok. Use your judgement, and please keep us safe!
Q: Can you take white paper towels?
A: Usually, yes! Please trash them if you used them to soak up a bleach spill, something contagious (like blood), or some other harsh chemical. Otherwise, compost.
A: Usually, yes! Please trash them if you used them to soak up a bleach spill, something contagious (like blood), or some other harsh chemical. Otherwise, compost.
Q: Where do I set out my bin?
A: Please bring it all the way to your front curb, unless you have an exception we've discussed. If your pickup day is the same as your trash or recycling day, put the bin back half way to the house. Bonus points if you tie up the green bag inside the bucket.
A: Please bring it all the way to your front curb, unless you have an exception we've discussed. If your pickup day is the same as your trash or recycling day, put the bin back half way to the house. Bonus points if you tie up the green bag inside the bucket.
Q: I'm in an apartment building. Can I sign up? Where would I put my bin?
A: We'd love to work with your building to make this possible. Check in with your building manager to make sure they approve. We'll find a space outside the building that works for you, and for our pickup crew. We cannot come inside buildings to pick up bins.
A: We'd love to work with your building to make this possible. Check in with your building manager to make sure they approve. We'll find a space outside the building that works for you, and for our pickup crew. We cannot come inside buildings to pick up bins.