Recycling and composting are both ways to keep useful material out of the trash, but they are not interchangeable. Getting them right matters, because the wrong item in the wrong bin can contaminate a whole batch.
Recycling handles manufactured materials
Recycling covers items like clean paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and certain plastics, which are processed back into new products. Rules vary by town, so check your local program. The EPA’s recycling basics are a good starting point.
Composting handles organic materials
Composting is for things that were once alive: food scraps, coffee grounds, yard trimmings, and soiled paper that cannot be recycled. These break down into a soil amendment rather than being remanufactured. Our acceptable food waste guide shows what Torus accepts.
A simple rule of thumb
If it was made in a factory, it probably belongs in recycling or trash. If it grew or came from a kitchen, it probably belongs in compost. When in doubt, our FAQ can help.
Make composting the easy part
Torus takes the guesswork out of the organics side. Sign up and we will deliver a bucket and pick up your scraps for free.