Cary Celebrates International Compost Awareness Week With Programs, Events, and Resources for Residents

• Cary highlights a range of composting programs and services during International Compost Awareness Week (May 3-9).
• Residents can participate through classes, events, and free food waste drop-off options.
• Composting helps reduce landfill waste while supporting healthy soils and environmental resilience.

Cary, NC - Cary is joining communities around the world to celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9, by highlighting local programs, services, and opportunities that make it easy for residents to turn everyday waste into a valuable resource.

With the theme "Compost! Feed the soil that feeds us!" this annual campaign recognizes composting as a simple but powerful way to reduce waste and support environmental health. In Cary, that approach is reflected in a range of services designed to meet residents where they are - whether they are new to composting or looking to deepen their practice.

Cary offers multiple ways to get involved, including backyard composting classes and workshops, and a compost bin sale to support your efforts at home. Residents can also take advantage of two free food waste recycling drop-off sites, and a comprehensive online guide is available at carync.gov/compost to help residents get started or expand their efforts.

"Composting is one of the most practical ways that residents can help reduce waste," said Srijana Guilford, Waste Strategy and Impact Consultant. "It keeps food and yard waste out of the landfill and turns it into something that supports healthier soils, stronger plants, and a more resilient environment."

In addition to reducing landfill use, composting contributes to broader environmental outcomes. Healthy soils enriched with compost can improve water retention while also supporting plant growth, providing habitat for beneficial organisms, and storing carbon.

Through these efforts, Cary continues to position composting as part of a broader commitment to sustainability - where waste is reimagined as a resource and small, everyday actions contribute to long-term environmental benefits.

Residents are encouraged to learn more, purchase a compost bin, attend an event, or begin using a food waste drop-off site: Mills Park (425 Mills Park Dr.) and the Citizen's Convenience Center (313 N. Dixon Ave.) near downtown. Additional information is available 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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