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 is open to Cary residents only and closes 2 days prior to start date.

• March 6, 12 – 1 p.m.

• March 6, 4 – 5 p.m.

• March 7, 9 – 10 a.m.

• March 7, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• March 9, 5 – 6 p.m.

• March 14

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

• April 1 – May 10

• Backyard Compost | May 6

• Compost Education Center Open House | May 9

• Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale | ends May 10

Learn about backyard composting at Stephens Nature Center as part of the Evening at the Bluffs event series. Registration required.

• April 7

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

• May 6

• May 9, 9 – 11 a.m.

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.

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.

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)

Did you know you can bring our old documents and papers for shredding and recycling any day of the week at a Town facility? Cary has installed shredding consoles at six Town facilities for the collection and safe disposal of old papers, bills, account statements, and other sensitive documents (no magazines, books, electronics, or commercial interests are accepted).

Please note that shredded paper is NOT accepted in curbside pickup recycling bins.