Learn how to recycle your food waste into organic compost through backyard composting! Along with a tour of historic Good Hope Farm and information on organic gardening that supports pollinators, program participants will receive three bags of compost, two home guide books, instructions and Q&A with an expert. Registration open to Cary residents only and closes 2 days prior to start date. Registration required. 

• September 6 | noon—1 p.m.

• September 7 | 9—10 a.m.

• September 7 | 10:30—11:30 a.m.

• September 9 | 5—6 p.m.

We'll explore the secrets of making great compost for use in your yard and garden. Compost starter material provided. Registration required. 

September 11 | 6—7:30 p.m.

Help prepare the beds for fall veggies during this family-friendly event in the Compost Education Center located inside Bond Park. One adult registration is required per family. 

October 16 | 4—6 p.m.

Each spring, Cary hosts a month-long online sale to make compost bins, rain barrels, and related accessories available at discounted wholesale prices. Customers place their order online and pick up their items at a scheduled time from a specified Town facility.

For information regarding the 2025 sale or to get on the interest list, please visit Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale page.

April 1—May 10

Cary’s food waste recycling drop-offs are a local option to turn food waste into compost. Learn more about the variety of materials accepted at each location.

New! Mills Park
425 Mills Park Drive
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Check out the news release here. 

Citizen's Convenience Center
313 N. Dixon Ave.
Open Monday—Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
Sunday, 1—6 p.m. (holiday hours may vary)

The Town of Cary is committed to supporting residential composting in accordance with community ordinances that promote safe, effective, and community-conscious practices. For more information, refer to the Town Code of Ordinances on Health and Sanitation Section 18-10 regarding composting, and check with your HOA, when applicable, regarding home compost restrictions.

Are you curious about composting but don't know how to get started? Our Composting Solutions page offers an overview of the composting process and links to resources to help you find a composting method that works for you. 

Located inside Bond Park and open all year long, this center includes a demonstration vegetable and herb garden, native plant habitat, water garden, and self-guided tour of home composting methods.