Compost Food Scraps at Two Farmers Markets
Our partners make food scraps collection accessible to more Wake County residents.
Western Wake Farmers Market
The market is located at 280 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, 27560. Look for the black CompostNow carts during market hours, which are Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon.
Midtown Farmers' Market
Visit the market to shop and drop off food scraps, thanks to a collaboration with the market, Toward Zero Waste, and Wake County Solid Waste. 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.
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:
- 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
- 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