Save the Scraps: Solid Waste Now Accepting Food

A green recycling bin to the right of a sign with the food pyramid

Eggshells, coffee grounds, and vegetable peels are about to get a second life.

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste is now accepting residential food waste scraps for composting at two full-service recycling centers: Hickory Grove (8007 Pence Rd.) and Compost Central (140 Valleydale Rd.).

If it’s edible, it’s acceptable. That includes items such as eggshells, coffee grounds, vegetables, and meat.  

Simply toss the food scraps into a bin, and once full, bring it to the special food scrap containers at Hickory Grove or Compost Central. This program is free for residents but is currently not available for commercial purposes.  

What is NOT Accepted?

  • Cans of food or food packaging  
  • Plastic-coated paper plates
  • To-go drink cups
  • To-go containers and utensils
  • Paper towels and napkins
  • Compostable utensils and plates
  • Plastic bags, zip-lock bags or snack wrappers or bags

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste plans to expand accepting food scraps to the Foxhole and North Mecklenburg Disposal and Recycling Centers by Summer 2025. As part of its enhanced recycling program, Solid Waste also accepts items such as white rigid foam, books, shredded paper, textiles, and clean wood and furniture. The program processed nearly 80,000 tons of recycled material at recycling facilities in 2024.  

For more information, visit WipeOutWaste.com. To submit a waste disposal and recycling question, email [email protected].