Farmers Market Collection Sites Operating on Winter Schedules
Western Wake Farmers Market in Morrisville
Visit this market at 101 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, 27560. Market hours are Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m.
Midtown Farmers' Market in Raleigh
Find this market at The Commons, 4191 Main at North Hills St., Raleigh 27609. Market hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The black CompostNow carts are accessible during market hours, but free compostable bags and market bucks will not return until April.
In addition to the farmers market partners, Wake County Convenience Centers provide three drop-off sites for residents who want to keep food waste out of the landfill but don't have the capacity to compost at home. Food waste collected at the sites is transported to an industrial composting facility, and the finished compost is donated to 112 community gardens in the Research Triangle area.
Please put food in the carts loose or in paper bags. Compostable bags are available for free at the Convenience Centers. Plastic bags do not break down and should never be put in the compost carts.
Convenience Centers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Look for the "Food Scraps Composting" sign and black collection carts at these locations:
- Convenience Center #2, 6120 Old Smithfield Road in Apex
- Convenience Center #4, 3600 Yates Mill Pond Road in Raleigh
- Convenience Center #7, 9024 Deponie Drive in Raleigh
Food waste collection sites were chosen based on multiple factors, including available space and proximity to food waste haulers. Businesses or organizations interested in hosting a food waste collection site should email recycling@wake.gov to explore potential partnerships.
What Items Are Accepted for Food Waste Collection?
Acceptable Items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Cheese, dairy products and eggs
- Breads, cereals, pasta and rice
- Coffee grounds and paper filters
- Tea leaves and tea bags
- Meat and bones
- Paper napkins and towels
- Paper egg cartons and drink trays
Unacceptable Items
- Plastic bags, wrappers and film
- Boxes, cans, jars or other packages
- Cooking oil and liquids
- Cups, plates or cutlery, unless labeled "BPI Certified Compostable"
- Coffee pods, produce stickers, rubber bands
- Yard waste