Step Can Program Terms of Service

Section 1: Billing Details

Designated Billing Contact: The member must provide a designated Billing Contact(s). This person will be contacted by CompostNow for anything billing related including updating billing information, billing errors, and receiving invoices/receipts. If the Billing Contact(s) needs to be updated, email thedirt@compostnow.org with the new contact's name, email, and cell number.

‍Billing Period: Automatic recurring billing is monthly beginning at the start of service (unless you have an annual membership). Your service will automatically renew at the end of your current billing period unless the member terminates in writing prior to then [see Cancellations Details below].

Account Management: If the member requires CompostNow to use a specific vendor portal (i.e. Avetta, Coupa) for various business needs, any vendor portal fees that we incur as a result will be passed through to the member as a line item on their billing.

Section 2: Service Details

Designated Service Contact: The member must provide a designated Service Contact(s). This person will receive email communications from CompostNow in the event of service adjustments, inclement weather delays, and other factors that result in a deviation from their normal service. The Service Contact(s) are responsible for taking corrective action when issues arise such as (but not limited to) blocked access, contamination in containers, and/or overloaded, damaged or missing container(s) for their respective location(s). The Service Contact(s) shall have the authority to request adjustments to the service frequency, service schedule, and number of containers for their respective location. If the Service Contact(s) needs to be updated, email thedirt@compostnow.org with the new contact’s name, email, and cell number.

‍Location of Collection: The member is responsible for providing an accurate description of where their container(s) will be located on their designated service day(s). If the container(s) are not located in the designated location(s) at the time of collection, it may result in a missed collection [see below]. If the collection location(s) need to be updated, please email thedirt@compostnow.org.

Access for Collection: The member is responsible for providing (at their cost) any accessibility materials (badges, FOBs, gate codes, keys, key cards, etc) to access the collection location. If those require an annual renewal with fees associated, the member is responsible for paying for the renewals. We reserve the right to request multiple copies of accessibility materials. If accessibility materials are changed, please email thedirt@compostnow.org.

Service Day: Members can expect weekly service on the designated day(s) that best align with our operational routes. However, we will work with you and your team to make accommodations whenever possible. CompostNow will also provide advanced notice when the designated service day(s) will change due to holiday closures or occasional operational route balancing. To request a service day change, email thedirt@compostnow.org.

‍Time of Collection: The route on your designated service day(s) may begin as early as 8:00 am and end as late as 5:00pm. The member is responsible for having their container(s) in the agreed upon service location starting at that time. We are unable to guarantee a set time of collection. If the container(s) are not located in their designated location(s) at the time of collection, it may result in a missed collection [see below].

‍Missed Collection: It is the responsibility of the member to ensure their container(s) are located at the agreed upon service location on their service day(s). If we are unable to locate your container(s), or they are inaccessible (i.e. building is locked, no answer at the door, road closures, unable to bypass security, etc), we will notify the member via email and plan to service the container(s) on their next service day. If a collection is needed prior to the next service day, then we can provide an off-schedule service for a fee of $50 plus the normal stop rate. If the missed collection is due to error by CompostNow, we will waive any additional costs.

‍Off-Schedule Service Request: If a collection is needed prior to the next service day, we offer an off-schedule service on the next business day for a fee of $50 plus your normal stop rate. To request an extra collection, email thedirt@compostnow.org.

Additional Container(s) Request (One-Time): If you are anticipating a higher than normal volume of compostables on a specific collection date, we can accommodate, with at least two weeks notice, by dropping off additional container(s) on your normal service day. A one-time charge of $20 per cart per collection or $30 per step can per collection will be applied to your account. If more than five additional containers are required, additional fees may apply. You can email thedirt@compostnow.org to request additional containers.

Contamination: Contamination makes the composting process more difficult. Only food residuals and BPI-Certified compostable materials are accepted in the container(s). We work hard to make sure our compostables feedstock is as free of contamination as possible. However, we understand that contamination does occur in composting programs. We will work with you and your team to communicate contamination when it occurs and find solutions to reduce contamination moving forward. If more than five percent (5%) by volume of the container(s) contents are materials not found to be food waste or BPI Certified compostable, it is considered “Contaminated”. If materials are bagged in non-compostable bags, it is considered “Contaminated”. Contaminated container(s) incur additional costs to manually pick out the contamination or rejected load fees if the materials make it to the composting facility. The first time container(s) are found to be contaminated, we will inform the member in writing with photo evidence. The second time container(s) are found to be contaminated we will inform the member again in writing with photo evidence. Upon a third occurrence we will inform the member in writing, with photo evidence, and reserve the right to charge a fee of $25 per container found to be contaminated. CompostNow reserves the right to suspend service if we do not see any improvements in contamination. To see a full list of accepted compostables visit www.compostnow.org/compostables.

‍Damaged/Missing Container(s): We recognize that over time the container(s) will experience wear and tear from normal use. We will repair and replace container(s) as needed when wear, tear, or damage occurs from normal use or accidental damage. Should container(s) be damaged due to severe overloading or negligence by the customer, we will provide photo evidence and a fee of $250 per container will be charged to replace the container(s). Should container(s) become lost or missing, a fee of $200 per container will be charged to replace the container(s). Should container(s) be modified beyond their delivered condition, such as custom wrapping or otherwise, and cannot be recirculated in the event of service being terminated, then a fee of $200 per container will be charged to replace the container(s). Should the decal(s) on the container(s) need to be replaced due to negligence by the customer, then a fee of $50 per decal will be charged to replace the decal(s).

‍Liquid in Container(s): Our containers are not designed to be filled with liquids. To ensure the cleanliness of your space, we cannot accept container(s) filled with liquids. It is best to advise your community that liquids should be poured down the drain prior to their compostables being discarded into the container(s). If your container(s) are found to be filled with liquids, an extra fee of $25 will be applied.

Overloaded Container(s): Overloaded container(s) cause unnecessary wear and damage to the container(s) and pose a threat to employee safety. We will work with you and your team to communicate overloaded container instances when they occur and find solutions to increase your diversion capacity as needed. Container(s) are considered overloaded if the contents in a single container weigh more than 50 lbs, if they are filled in such a way that the lid will not fully close, and/or if the container(s) are too heavy to be safely moved by our driver. If the container(s) cannot be safely moved by our drivers, we will be unable to service the container(s) until the member transfers some of the contents to other container(s). If you need additional capacity, please email thedirt@compostnow.org to inquire about expanding your composting program.

‍Extra Compostables: All compostables to be collected must be placed inside the container(s) with the lid completely shut. We cannot collect compostables outside of the container(s) with the exception of empty pizza boxes. To schedule an extra collection, please email thedirt@compostnow.org.

Section 3: Compost Details

Compost Sharing: Members accrue 10% of their compostables collected weight as earned compost to be automatically shared evenly among Garden Partners (unless a specific Garden Partner is requested). View our Garden Partners at www.compostnow.org/garden-partners.

Compost Delivery: Members can request up to five bags of compost (each bag is 1 cubic ft) to be delivered to their location once per calendar year. This amount is not cumulative and will not carry over into the next year if it isn’t ordered. Compost will be delivered in bags at your collection location on a designated service day. To request a compost delivery, email thedirt@compostnow.org. ‍

Section 4: Cancellation Details

Termination: The service agreement may be terminated by either party at the end of your current billing period. Your service will automatically renew at the end of your current billing period unless the member terminates in writing prior to that. No refunds are issued for monthly subscriptions unless no collections have occurred during the billing period. No refunds are issued for annual subscriptions. To cancel service, email thedirt@compostnow.org.

*These Terms of Service are subject to change. Members will be notified of any Terms of Service changes.*