We’re always looking for ways to live more sustainably. While we use Crowntown Compost, a fantastic local service that picks up our food scraps each week, we know that not everyone is ready for a paid service. That’s why we’re excited to share that Mecklenburg County now offers free composting for residents!
How It Works
Mecklenburg County has launched food waste collection at two of its Full-Service Recycling Centers:
Hickory Grove – 8007 Pence Road
Compost Central – 140 Valleydale Road
Just collect your food scraps at home and drop them off in the designated compost bins at these locations—for free!
What You Can Compost
✅ All food waste – fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, meat, and more!
❌ Not accepted – food packaging, plastic bags, snack wrappers, paper towels/napkins, compostable utensils, and to-go containers.
Why Compost?
Food waste makes up a huge portion of what ends up in landfills, where it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting returns nutrients to the soil, reducing waste and supporting healthier ecosystems.
The Future of Composting in Mecklenburg County
By summer 2025, the county plans to expand this program to the Foxhole and North Mecklenburg Recycling Centers. This is part of the county’s broader Enhanced Recycling Program, which also accepts white foam, shredded paper, textiles, and clean wood.
Get Started & Learn More
Visit Wipe Out Waste or follow Mecklenburg County Recycling on Facebook for updates and free compost bin giveaways.
Small steps lead to big change—start composting today!