The Dirt on Carrboro Composting

Over the last two years, Carrboro has been working on some serious dirt—thanks to its composting program.

Composting turns food scraps, yard waste, manures, and other organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment used in gardening and agriculture. 

Until recently, Carrboro residents who wanted to compost had two options: drop their waste at the farmer’s market or a county food waste drop off site or compost in their backyards.

But Carrie Donley, a beekeeper, scientist, and FairOaks resident, wondered if there was a way to make composting more accessible to more people. 

“Like many, I’m concerned about climate change. I know that composting is a simple thing most people can do that has a positive impact on the environment. I wanted to figure out how to make it easier and more accessible for my neighbors.”

She applied for and was awarded a Green Neighborhood grant from the town, which launched a composting program in FairOaks. Three bins were placed in the neighborhood, allowing residents to drop compostable waste whenever they wanted. Bins are emptied weekly by CompostNow, which turns compostable waste into soil that is distributed to farms and community gardens.

FairOaks residents responded enthusiastically--since inception, they’ve diverted over 20.5 tons of food waste from the landfill as well as inspired six other neighborhoods to implement similar programs. Together, these communities have diverted a total of 39 tons of food waste from the landfill, avoiding 101.4 tons of CO₂ emissions, and saving the community an estimated $2,340 in landfill fees. 

There’s also been an immeasurable impact on the community. Survey data shows that participants feel more connected to their neighbors and empowered to take action. Donley’s vision of individual action contributing to meaningful, measurable change, has become a reality.

If you’re interested in starting a composting program in your neighborhood, scan the QR code.