What can I compost?
Please refer to guidance on what to compost located here.
Can I bring my yard waste to be composted?
The compost drop-off site only accepts “plant trimmings” which refer to flower bouquets or kitchen herbs. Weeds, woody debris, and grass clippings are not accepted items in this program. If you’re dropping your scraps at the Buncombe County Landfill, there is a separate disposal area for yard waste to grind the debris into mulch, which residents can then purchase.
What about items that are both compostable and recyclable?
Items such as paper towel/toilet paper rolls, newspaper, and clean cardboard are technically
compostable as well as recyclable. However, unless they are soiled (ex. greasy pizza boxes), we ask that you put these items in the recycling to save space in our compost collection bins. Office paper should always be recycled, but shredded paper should always be composted (it is not able to be recycled).
What type of bag should I collect/deliver my food scraps in?
Materials can be collected loose and free, but if you’d prefer to collect and dispose of your scraps in a bag, please use only paper bags or certified BPI compostable “bio bags”. They should be ASTM 6400 certified for compostable plastics.
Can I bring food scraps from my business or restaurant?
The food scrap drop-off sites are for residential household compostable waste only. Businesses or
restaurants who wish to compost can contact a local commercial composter.
Is there a limit to how much I can bring?
The drop-off sites are limited to residential/household scraps only. There is no limit to the amount of scraps you can bring, but we encourage you to reduce your food waste with these tips.
Will I be able to receive free compost/What happens to the finished compost?
Since this is a free program, we are unable to offer free finished compost to participants at this time. We do encourage you to close the loop by purchasing locally produced compost for your garden needs!
How can I get a free compost pail?
To receive a free compost pail, you will need to register as a drop-off participant and pick up your pail at the Stephens-Lee location. Click the registration link above to get started.
How is this different than backyard composting?
Because Buncombe County has contracted with a commercial composter, we are able to accept a wider array of materials, including meat scraps, bones, and materials such as paper towels, compostable plates and compostable silverware. Commercial composting facilities are able to generate more heat in their composting process than household backyard compost piles, thus having the capability to break down these tougher materials.
Learn more about backyard composting at the GreenWorks web site.