Rubicon “Haul of Fame” Q&A: Scraps

Scraps is the only locally owned and independently operated organics hauling and processing company in the Denver metro area. As a zero-waste services provider, Scraps helps businesses and communities divert organic materials from landfills through education, collection, and compost processing programs. For nearly five years, Scraps and Rubicon have partnered to expand composting access, increase organics diversion, and help organizations build more sustainable waste programs.

In this edition of Rubicon’s “Haul of Fame” Partner Spotlight, we spoke with Tommy Dodd, Operations Director at Scraps, about the importance of composting, the challenges businesses face when launching organics programs, and how education and collaboration are helping create a more sustainable future.

Q: Tell us a little bit about Scraps – the 30 second elevator pitch?

Tommy:Scraps is the only locally owned and independently operated organics hauling and processing company in the Denver metro area. We’re also a zero-waste services provider, and we’ve been working with Rubicon for just about five years now.

Q: Why does Scraps believe composting is such an important part of a modern waste and sustainability program?

Tommy:There is so much organic material, food waste, and yard debris being sent to landfills every day. With all of the climate challenges we’re dealing with here in the United States, and specifically in our community in Colorado with drought and wildfires, we need to restore our soils and create high-quality finished compost.

Compost helps restore our soils, fight climate change, grow better food, and build more sustainable, resilient communities.

Q: What is the biggest challenge Scraps sees today when it comes to commercial composting and organics diversion?

Tommy: I think the biggest challenge when it comes to composting in general is always going to be contamination – making sure people are putting the right materials into the compost bin.

At Scraps, we really focus on education. Our goal is to build trust and maintain an open line of communication so we can educate everyone on the proper way to compost, the benefits of composting, and share the full story — from when material gets placed in the compost bin to when that finished compost is returned back into our soils.

Q: What’s one misconception businesses have about composting that Scraps would like to clear up?

Tommy: One of the biggest misconceptions is that businesses are hesitant to start composting programs because they’re worried about odors and smells.

We like to explain that composting isn’t something completely new – businesses are already placing food scraps and organic materials into their trash bins. The difference is that they’re placing those materials into a certified compostable bag and into a separate compost bin.

As long as businesses have a reliable, trustworthy hauler taking away that material on a regularly scheduled basis, those issues won’t become a problem.

Another misconception is that people don’t realize how much material can actually be diverted from landfills through composting. With education around what materials can be composted, people start to see how much of an impact even one person can make.

Q: What do the most successful composting programs have in common?

Tommy: I think an open line of communication is the biggest factor.

We always tell our members that if they ever have a question, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We’re always here to act as a resource.

The last thing we want to be is just a hauler that picks up the bin and empties it. Composting is something where everyone is always learning, and we’re here to help facilitate that. We want everyone to know they have support and that no one is on their own when it comes to composting.

Q: If a company is thinking about launching a composting program, what’s the first piece of advice Scraps would give them?

Tommy: Reach out to us. We’ve been doing this for more than ten years and have worked with a diverse range of members throughout the Front Range.

We tailor compost programs specifically to each member, so we’re able to walk businesses or apartment communities through the entire process – from start to finish – and help them set up a successful program.

With the experience we have from servicing so many different organizations, it’s not something a new potential member should feel like they have to take on themselves.

Q: How does Scraps’ mission align with Rubicon’s mission To End Waste?

Tommy: The main part of Scraps’ mission is to make composting the norm and not the exception, and I think that aligns very closely with Rubicon’s mission.

It’s really about reaching as many people and businesses as possible, diverting material from landfills, and creating valuable products from that material.

Q: How has partnering with Rubicon helped Scraps’ business or your customers succeed?

Tommy: It’s been a really great partnership. Rubicon has helped connect a lot of diverse members with haulers like Scraps. That has helped us grow our member base and increase our diversion numbers through the amount of material being produced across Scraps and Rubicon’s member base.

It’s been a really great partnership. We’re grateful for it, and we’re excited to continue growing together.

Rapid Fire with Scraps/Tommy:

Coffee Grounds or Banana Peels? Coffee grounds.

Front Loader or Roll-Off? I’m going to throw a curve ball at you and say rear loader.

Summer Heat or Winter Freeze? Winter freeze all day.

Finished Compost or Fresh Mulch? Finished compost.

Farmers Market or Grocery Store? Farmers market.

Early Bird or Night Owl? Early bird.

Boots or Sneakers? Boots when I’m working, sneakers otherwise.

GPS or “I Know the Route”? GPS all day.

One word to describe Scraps? Reliable.

#  #  #