Food Scraps Composting

New Food Waste Disposal Options at Parks & Farmers Markets

Wake County residents are gaining more options to keep food scraps out of the landfill!

Western Wake Farmers Market Observing Winter Hours

The market is located at 280 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, 27560. Look for the black CompostNow carts during market hours, which are Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. until noon.

Midtown Farmers' Market Operating on Winter Schedule

The market is located at The Commons, 4191 Main at North Hills St., Raleigh 27609. Look for the black CompostNow carts on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until noon.

Town of Morrisville Starts Food Waste Pilot December 17

Three Town of Morrisville parks will host food waste stations that will be accessible daily. Learn how to download the free app to access the stations

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 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:

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
  • Cooked meats
  • 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