Can’t compost where you live in Durham? How to drop your food scraps off for free.
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What you need to know: Durham is testing two compost collection sites to divert food waste from the landfill.
What you need to tell friends and family: Find the sites and a list of all acceptable items, along with what NOT to bring, in our story.
Durham is expanding its compost program this summer by testing out compost bins where residents like me can drop off food scraps for free.
In the first two weeks, the city diverted 287.3 pounds of compostable waste from the landfill. It will be composted and sold by Atlas Organics, a private company that has contracted with the city for years.
“We believe this is an innovative way to benefit the environment and reduce costs,” Wayne Fenton, director of solid waste management, said in a news release.
Two lime green compost bins were installed this month:
- A 24/7 drop-off is downtown at the City Hall loading dock. (101 City Hall Plaza)
- East Durham’s trash and recycling center (2115 E. Club Blvd.) accepts drop-offs during business hours.
They accept nearly all food scraps, cooked or raw, and even some paper products:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and seafood (including bones!)
- Dairy products
- Eggs and paper egg cartons
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Paper towels
- Empty pizza boxes
- Tea bags
- What NOT to bring: No plastics, glass or metal — it doesn’t matter if it’s labeled “compostable” packaging. No shredded paper. No grease or fat. No pet waste. No waste from commercial ventures or events.
Tips from someone who has tried it
I saved up my compost in the freezer — so it wouldn’t smell — and filled a large container in about a week.
Downloading and creating an account on the CompostHere app is required to unlock the containers. Do it before you arrive, because there are several steps, including verifying your address.
The first time I visited the downtown bin, it was hot and didn’t smell great, but it wasn’t completely overpowering.
After dumping in my compost, a swarm of fruit flies zoomed up toward me. Be prepared for that and move quickly. I might wear garden gloves when I return.
If you do have questions, contact Durham One Call at 919-560-1200.
Free compost services for residents
The service is free for Durham residents and city employees through June 30, 2025, when the test is scheduled to end. The cost is being covered by a $20,000 state grant, with the city required to match 20%, a city spokesperson said.
That covers the cost of two fully equipped bins and subscriptions to the CompostHere app for an unlimited number of city residents. About $18,000 has been spent so far, according to the city.
The city already offers curbside composting to 440 households.
“To date, the curbside program, that began with 80 households, has collected 63 tons of food scraps,” spokesperson Nacarla Webb said
