Cary Wraps Up Loose Leaf Collection Season, Highlights Year-Round Composting Efforts

• 9,500 tons of leaves were collected and composted during Cary's loose-leaf collection season (November-January).
• 23,609 tons of organic material diverted in 2025 through composting programs, representing 33% of all waste collected townwide.
• Compost giveaway workshops are now open, offering residents compost made from locally collected organic material.

Cary, NC - Cary has completed its annual loose leaf collection season, marking another successful effort to turn yard waste into a valuable community resource through composting.

Between November and January, Cary crews completed three rounds of loose-leaf collection across town, collecting approximately 9,500 tons of leaves. Leaves collected during the season were composted, helping divert organic material from landfills and return nutrients to the soil.

Cary will continue leaf collection by request at no charge through March 31, 2026. A fee will apply for additional pickup requests after March 31, 2026; contact Cary 311 to request. Residents can learn more about how loose-leaf collection works at carync.gov/leaves.

Composting Beyond Leaf Season

While loose leaf collection is seasonal, Cary's composting efforts continue year-round through yard waste and food waste collection.

In 2025, Cary diverted a combined 23,609 tons of organic material, including yard waste, loose leaves, and food waste, from landfills, representing 33% of all waste collected during the fiscal year.

Food waste collected through Cary's drop-off program accounted for 102 tons of that total. February marks a point of expansion for Cary's composting programs in 2022 and 2024, when food waste drop-off sites opened. The Town is now entering its fifth year of food waste drop-off service.

Last year, Cary's annual compost bin sale resulted in 106 backyard compost bins purchased, supporting at-home composting and decreasing waste.

This February, Cary will receive 31,797 pounds (24.46 cubic yards) of finished compost at Good Hope Farm through the Town's Garden Partner Program. The delivery represents approximately 10% of the food waste collected in 2025 through Cary's food waste drop-off sites and community events, closing the loop.

Compost Giveaway Workshops Now Open

Cary is offering compost giveaway workshops where residents can take home compost made from local organic materials while learning practical tips for starting and maintaining compost at home. Workshops are now open for registration, and space is limited. Residents can learn more and sign up at carync.gov/compost.

Primary Contacts

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].

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