The GoZERO Institute

The GoZERO Institute is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization that exists to help communities reduce waste, divert organic material from landfills, and build sustainable systems that last. While GoZERO Services is known for its food scrap–to–compost courier services, the Institute expands that impact through education, outreach, advocacy, and technical support for individuals and organizations.

When compostable material ends up in landfills, it generates potent greenhouse gases. Our work goes further when we pair disposal services with education — empowering people with the knowledge and tools they need to make waste diversion a daily practice. Through tailored programming, hands-on training, and accessible resources, the GoZERO Institute helps turn intention into action

Our Mission

To provide educational content, programming, and expertise to local partners, fostering a community-backed effort to reduce waste and divert organic material from landfills.

What We Offer

The GoZERO Institute provides educational programming designed to meet your goals, audience, and capacity. We work with schools, businesses, municipalities, nonprofits, and community groups to build programs that are practical, engaging, and impactful.

Our Educational Services Include:

  • On-site training and workshops
    Support for front- and back-of-house teams, waste sorting education, and waste-reduction planning to make sustainable actions easy and effective

  • In-person presentations and facilitated discussions
    Designed for groups of all sizes—from classrooms to community forums and professional gatherings

  • Online resources and digital learning
    Composting fundamentals, best practices, and GoZERO-developed tools are available for ongoing learning and troubleshooting

  • Events and community engagement
    Participation in open houses, demonstrations, industry discussions, and public or private sector events

Program Focus Areas

We tailor programming around specific outcomes and audiences, including:

🌱 Schools

Age-appropriate education on composting, waste sorting, soil health, and sustainability fundamentals

🌾 Local Food Systems

Food cycles, nutrient return, compost in agriculture, and minimizing food waste

🏘️ Communities

Community drop-off stations, municipal partnerships, park districts, and community gardens

🛠️ Composting Infrastructure

Development of and guidance for food scrap compost dropoff stations, compost pickup points, food scrap collection hubs, and local compost production operations.

🌍 Local Ambassadors

Educators, advocates, and community leaders are ready to deepen their impact and inspire others

If you have a specific need not listed here, we welcome the opportunity to design programming that fits your goals.

How We Work

Every partnership begins with a conversation. We assess your needs, audience, and capacity, then design programming that supports long-term success—not just a one-time presentation.

Our approach is:

  • Collaborative

  • Flexible

  • Rooted in local context

  • Grounded in real-world composting systems

💚 Become a Contributor

  • Perfect for individuals and families.
    You’ll receive:

    • Personalized digital thank-you certificate

    • Impact newsletter

    • Access to GoZERO’s educational resource library

  • Ideal for small community groups and classrooms.
    You’ll receive:

    • All Seed Supporter benefits

    • One Presentation Voucher — a 30–60 minute educational talk introducing composting basics

    Compost Gift Package (2 bags)

  • Designed for schools, community gardens, and civic groups expanding compost programs.
    You’ll receive:

    • All Sprout Partner benefits

    • One Light Audit (45-minute review + one-page summary of recommendations)

    • Compost Gift Package (5 bags)

  • For organizations ready to deepen their composting impact.
    You’ll receive:

    • All Growth Advocate benefits

    • One Full Audit (multi-hour assessment + detailed report)

    • Option to add a Full Audit Report with photos and branded documentation

    • Compost Gift Package (15 bags or 2 cubic yards)

  • For institutions and leaders driving large-scale education and change.
    You’ll receive:

    • All Sustaining Champion benefits

    • One full Workshop (90–120 minutes, hands-on training for staff or the public)

    • Recognition on our website and in annual impact reports

    • Priority scheduling and early access to GoZERO initiatives

Join Us in Creating Change

Waste diversion works best when communities are informed, supported, and empowered. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand an existing program, the GoZERO Institute is here to help.

Let’s build a future where composting is second nature — and food scrap is no longer wasted.

👉 Contact us to start a conversation or request a custom program.