Composting at The O Zone
The O Zone is proud to partner with Laughing Fox Farm to turn local food scraps into nutrient-rich compost.
Laughing Fox Farm is partnered with Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency! They operate a large-scale industrial composting facility that transforms food waste into high-quality, locally produced compost.
Together, we’re keeping valuable organic material out of landfills and returning it to the soil.
Community Compost CSA
Drop-Off and Pick-up Services
We’ve recently transitioned over our compost hauling service to Ray Silverman of Laughing Fox Farm, a longtime O Zone team member who has been managing the operation for the past year. The good news? Nothing is changing in how the service runs—same pick-ups, same drop-offs, just a new truck. The service is for everyone!
Residents
Local businesses
Municipal partners
You can sign up to drop off your food scraps or receive a curbside pick-up service.
Subscribe now and keep your food waste out of the landfill.
What Can Go in the Compost Bins?
Because we work with industrial composting facilities, we can accept many items that aren’t suitable for backyard composting:
Yes to:
Dairy, meat, and bones
Cooked and uncooked foods
Plate scrapings
No to:
Cooking oils or animal fats
Pizza boxes, cardboard, or coated paper
Aluminum foil or packaging (even if labeled "compostable")
Bulk liquids, animal manure or plant material
Why Compost?
Composting keeps food waste out of landfills—and that makes a big impact.
40% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten—that’s 20 pounds of food per person every month. (Source: NRDC, 2012)
At UCRRA in Kingston, 15 tractor-trailers of waste leave for the landfill in Western NY—every day, six days a week.
In landfills, food waste doesn’t just rot—it releases methane, a greenhouse gas that’s 25 times more potent than CO₂.
If we removed food waste from landfills nationwide, it would be like taking 1 in every 5 cars off the road.
Composting is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to take climate action right at home.
Benefits of Compost
Healthy soil. Healthy plants. Healthier planet. Here’s what composting can do:
Nourishes the soil
Compost is packed with nutrients, beneficial microbes, and a diverse biome that strengthens and enriches the soil.Grows stronger, more resilient plants
Nutrient-rich compost supports plant health naturally.Reduces the need for chemicals
Skip the synthetic fertilizers and pesticides—compost helps plants thrive without them.Conserves water
Compost improves soil structure and water retention, reducing the need for frequent watering.Fights climate change
By keeping food out of landfills, composting prevents methane emissions—a greenhouse gas 25x more potent than CO₂.
Compost Services
Turn your food scraps into something beautiful—join Laughing Fox Farm’s Residential or Commercial Compost CSA!
They’ll collect your household or business food waste and transform it into nutrient-rich compost.
What’s included:
Weekly food scrap collection
Compost receptacle provided (residential and commercial)
Subscribe to the service and be part of a more sustainable cycle!
Don’t have a garden?
Think of a local organization, park or community garden that would benefit from a compost share!
Compost CSA Subscription
How it Works
Residential Drop-Off
Bring up to 5 gallons of food scraps to The O Zone during business hours. You’ll need to supply your own container for transport.
Cost: $14/month
FYI: Red Hook residents can also use the municipal drop-off site at:
Red Hook Recycling Center
21 Glen Pond Dr, Red Hook, NY 12571
Open Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8 AM – 1 PM
Pick-Up Service
We provide clean, lined receptacles for both residential and commercial pick-up customers. Pick-up days are Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday (depending on your route).