Outdoor Compost Bin Rebate

Compost bin in back yard

Start composting at home! 

The City of Merriam looking to inspire residents to enjoy the benefits of composting. Composting enriches soil, helps to retain moisture and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. When food scraps go to the landfill, they release methane as they slowly decompose. About 25% of garbage that goes to the landfill is food waste.

Households that attend a city approved workshop and installs a compost bin can receive a rebate of up to $150 for the purchase materials to construct and install a compost bin.

The city has partnered with a local Master Gardener to conduct workshop on how leaves, grass and shrubbery trimmings can be turned into a valuable resource for your garden. Compost bin workshops will be held exclusively on Zoom. No pre-registration is required, but attendance will be recorded. Participants must stay for the entire session

2026 Outdoor Compost Bin Workshops Dates:

  • Wednesday, May 13, 2026  |  6–7 p.m.  |  Zoom Link
  • Wednesday, August 12, 2026  | 6–7 p.m.  |  Zoom Link

 

Rebate applications are accepted from February 16, 2026, to October 2, 2026.

Outdoor Compost Bin Rebate

Step 1.Understand Requirements 

  • Applicants must live in single-family or duplex property within the City of Merriam
  • Applicant must attend a city endorsed composting workshop
  • Applicant must install a compost bin
  • Only one compost bin rebate per address, per year

Step 2.Attend a Composting Workshop

The City hosts two composting workshops on Zoom each year. 

  • Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 6–7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 6–7 p.m. 

Step 3.Submit Application 

Applications are accepted from February 16 to October 2, 2026. 

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

Click here to download an application(PDF, 137KB)

Please submit your completed application in person, by mail, fax or online. 

Step 4.Install Compost Bin

  • Compost bins must be installed in 2026.
  • All compost bins must be built of sturdy materials, hard plastic, wood, or a composite material and have a lid.
  • Compost bin must be installed outdoors, setback 7 feet from rear and side property lines, and 10 feet from a residence.
  • The City of Merriam is not a manufacturer, supplier or guarantor of compost bins and makes no representations or warranties of any nature, directory or indirectly, express or implied as to performance, reliability, performance, durability, condition or quality of any compost bin or manufacturer.

Step 5.Receive Rebate

Prior to issuance of the rebate, city staff will perform an inspection to verify the installation meets city code. Applicants must provide a PAID receipt of purchase for a compost bin or materials to build a compost bin. Maximum rebate is $150. Costs for ancillary composting supplies or services are not eligible for the incentive. Applicants will be reimbursed on a first come, first served basis until program funds are completely allocated. 

The city can at any time, without prior notice and at its sole discretion, modify or eliminate this program. State and local grants are ordinarily taxable for federal income purposes. If awarded, the City will report the grant to the IRS and send you a Federal IRS Form 1099. Please consult a tax professional if you have questions about any possible tax liability you may incur. 

 

Contact

David Easley

Neighborhood Services Manager

Email

913-322-5526

 

Merriam City Hall

Community Development 

9001 W. 62nd St. 

Merriam, KS  66202

 

Learn About Composting

K-State Research and Extension is your local source for expert information on lawn and garden care. Find videos and easy guides about composting in their list of resources.  

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