Composting and Mulch

In the City of Fayetteville, approximately 29.5% of the waste that we create is organic matter (Kessler Consulting). This includes food waste, yard waste, and biodegradable paper. While organics represent nearly a 1/3 of total waste created in Fayetteville, they also represent a great opportunity for waste diversion since organic matter can be turned into valuable products including compost and mulch.

Purchasing Compost and Mulch at the City

The City offers both compost and mulch for sale at the Compost Facility (1708 S. Armstrong Ave.). Hours of operation:

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • 1st Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • 2nd Saturday of the month, April to October, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Compost

Our yard waste compost is available for purchase by Fayetteville residents. At this time, commercial customers are not able to purchase compost. Please bring a copy of a recent water bill showing solid waste charges for proof of residency. Residents are limited to 1 scoop to ensure ample availability. Read about our Process and Quality Testing.

  • $4 per bag plus tax (one bag is approximately 45 lbs). Please call ahead to have bags ready for pick up. 
  • $20 per scoop plus tax (one scoop equals approximately 2.5 cubic yards or the bed of a pick-up truck) 

Mulch

Mulch (wood chips) is available throughout the year. It may be purchased by Fayetteville residents and non-residents. Mulch costs $10 per scoop plus tax (one scoop equals approximately 2.5 cubic yards or the bed of a pick-up truck). 

Quick Guide to Composting

Compost at Home

Yard Waste Composting for Residents

One important component of reducing organic waste is yard waste composting. Currently, the City will pick up yard waste from residential customers as part of their existing trash & recycling service. Residents can also drop up yard waste at the City's composting facility.

Yard waste composting guidelines can be read here. 

You can also check out this handy guide to yard waste and home composting. 

Food Waste Composting

Food waste represents another important component of organics recovery. The City subscribes to the EPA's Food Waste Recovery Hierarchy which teaches the best way to approach food that could become waste. First, only the amount of food needed should be purchased or prepared. Then, any left over food should be used to feed hungry people, followed by animals. Food that can be used for industrial purposes (oils/fats) should be diverted and the rest composted. Only as a last resort, should food be disposed in a landfill. 

Currently, the City encourages residents to compost food waste at home. Check out our backyard composting page for helpful tips and more information on getting started.

During the 2016 waste study, the City completed a food waste compost pilot. Based on the results of the pilot project, the City plans to expand access to food waste composting in the future.

Food Recovery

Helpful Links