Composting is nature’s recycling. Composting is the process of breaking down organic material into a nutrient rich final product- compost. Compost is not the same as soil; it should be added to soil to make it healthier, improve its structure, and better hold water.

Composting food waste removes that material from the landfill, which helps to reduce methane emissions, save landfill space, and save on transportation costs and impacts. The 2024 Chatham County Waste Composition Study showed that about 21% of waste disposed of in the landfill through the Collection Centers was food waste. An additional 5% of material is compostable paper. If Chatham County residents compost, it could reduce the waste sent to landfills by about 25%.

Residents can compost at their own home or through the new food waste drop-off pilot program. Learn more about both- Composting at Home and Food Waste Drop-off.

International Compost Awareness Week (2026)

International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is a global education and awareness campaign dedicated to bringing people together to learn about the benefits of composting to our soil, food, and communities. For this year, Chatham County Solid Waste and Recycling will host several events with community partners that are all focused on fun, hands-on learning, and community connection centered around composting, healthy soils, and sustainability.

Attend multiple events throughout the week for multiple chances to win a FREE backyard compost bin and kitchen collector!

 Monday, May 4 (10:30-11:30 am)– Leaf Litter Critter Lab at Goldston Library
Explore the tiny organisms that help break down leaves! Includes a story and hands-on investigation of real leaf litter.

Tuesday, May 5 (11-11:45 am) – Composting Storytime: Wonderful Worms at Wren Memorial Library
Enjoy a worm-themed story time, a fun craft, and a chance to observe real worms up close! 

Wednesday, May 6 (6-7 pm) – Common Composting Conundrums & How to Solve Them at Chatham Community Library
Learn practical solutions to common composting challenges, including backyard and vermicomposting tips, plus local resources.

Thursday, May 7 (5:30–7:30 PM) – Sustainable Spirits at The Plant
Join us at The Plant for an event that is part of a celebration of International Compost Awareness Week! Sustainable Spirits  are rotating events throughout the state and are organized by the North Carolina Composting Council. These casual networking events bring together others who are passionate about sustainability, composting, healthy soils, and climate resilience. Attendees can also participate in a plant swap, with some donated plants from the Plant’s own Rachel’s Native Plants nursery. Free appetizers will also be available, due to the support of McGill Environmental Systems. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP at the following link: https://bit.ly/4e8BI3C

Friday, May 8 (10-11 am)– Webinar: Learn about Local Composting
Hear from a panel of local composters working to improve soil health and advance regenerative practices in our community. This webinar will be moderated by Anayancy Estacio, with Chatham County Solid Waste and Recycling. Our speakers will include Pam Watrous (Master Gardener), Amy Brooks (Brooks Composting), and Shannon Culpepper (Food Waste Drop-off Program with Chatham County).  You can register for the event at:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/VM5V7eBgSfC4TEKK8D34Sw . A recording may be made available following the event.

Chatham County Solid Waste & Recycling offers composting classes a couple times a year. Classes will be listed here when information is available.

Chatham County Cooperative Extension also has composting classes throughout the year. SW&R and Cooperative Extension also pair up on classes from time-to-time. To learn more about the classes offered by Cooperative Extension, visit their website at https://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/

If you would like to schedule a composting class at your church, club, neighborhood, etc. please contact Shannon Culpepper, Recycling and Education Specialist at shannon.culpepper@chathamcountync.gov or 919-545-7874.