Residential Composting

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FOOD SCRAP DROP-OFF PROGRAM

Residents in the Charleston region can take their food scraps to designated drop sites for FREE thanks to a partnership between the City of Charleston, Charleston County, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant and Sullivan's Island!  

Sign-up is required.  You will learn what items are accepted for composting and get instructions to access the carts.  

FOOD SCRAP DROP SITES

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Details at each Drop Site

Zoom into the map above and click on each icon to see specific details at each location, such as:  

  1. Address and directions
  2. Hours of operation
  3. Contact information for the host in case maintenance needs arise
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COMPOST TRAINING ON DEMAND

View a video recording of a home composting workshop to learn more.

Presentation Slides from the workshop

Why Is Composting Important?

Organic material decomposes in landfills without oxygen and releases harmful methane, a potent gas more than 20 times effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Landfills make up 17% of the United States' methane emissions.  Whereas a compost pile decomposes aerobically – with oxygen – producing mainly carbon dioxide.  By composting we can substantially reduce harmful emissions and help mitigate climate change.

Achieving Goals

The program is achieving three goals identified in the City's 2021 Climate Action Plan!

Logistics

In early 2022, the City of Charleston embarked on a pilot program to test logistics of a potential new compost program whereby residents could drop off food scraps at designated locations.  The pilot was grant funded to test the logistics at three initial drop sites, with the hope of a permanent program becoming reality and the number of drop sites expanding in the future.

Expansion and Regional Partners 

After a successful pilot, the program is seeking opportunities to expand to new drop sites and reach residents all over the Charleston region!  

Charleston County and Folly Beach joined the effort in late 2022, Isle of Palms in March 2023, Mount Pleasant in May 2023, and Sullivan's Island in October 2023.  Each community is now offering composting to their residents by hosting drop sites in the program.   Each drop site host will maintain and pay for hauling at their respective sites, while the overall program is managed by the City of Charleston.  

The City invites Charleston regional government partners to offer composting to their residents by hosting their own drop sites and joining the effort!  Ask us how!

The pilot project was made possible by a generous grant donation from SCDHEC to pilot our first composting program.  
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Special thanks to Smart Recycling, our contracted hauler, who is being flexible and helping us test options. 

Share Our Program

You can help by sharing information about the program with your friends and family. Below are a few social media ads you may share and feel free to share our webpage! 

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this program,  or would like to request a paper registration form, please contact Katie at mckaink@charleston-sc.gov or at 843-724-3789.

It's easy to drop off food scraps!

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NEW! Compost Data Dashboard


Follow program updates on Facebook, Instagram or this webpage.

  1. Why are the food scrap carts locked and what is the lock code?
  2. Should I use a compostable liner bag in my bin or pour food scraps into cart loosely?
  3. Is there a difference between biodegradable and compostable?
  4. I live in the region but not in the official City of Charleston limits, may I participate too?
  5. Can I add yard debris to the food scrap carts?
  6. Where can I report a maintenance concern or program issue?
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COMPOSTING IS

the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as food scraps, into a valuable soil amendment. 

The resulting decomposed matter, which looks like dark fertile garden soil, is called compost. This material is rich in nutrients and can be used as a natural fertilizer.

COMPOSTING BENEFITS

Cuts down on trash and expenses. The Charleston region throws away over 30,000 tons of food scraps each year, and food scraps make up 1/4 of the collected garbage. Composting saves space and taxpayer money needed for disposal in landfills.

Combats climate change. Food waste recycling will help meet area Climate Action Plan goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and protecting our air and water from pollution to fight climate change.

Protects against flooding. Compost nourishes our soil for healthier parks and gardens and increases stormwater absorption capacity to help reduce flooding. 

Saves plants and animals.  Compost reduces the need for expensive and polluting chemical fertilizers, makes plants healthier, and can be implemented without harming wildlife or ecosystem health.

Printable Flyer

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WHERE TO BUY COMPOST

RESIDENTS CAN HELP complete the compost loop by joining the drop site program (for free) and purchasing Charleston’s own Bees Best Compost at local retailers.  

Visit beesbestcompost.com

Some compost generated from the program is kindly donated to nourish our City parks and gardens!

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Compost donation use at Medway flower bed 18 4.20.22
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  1. Compost in Your Backyard
  2. Curbside Composting

Composting at Home is Simple and Rewarding

Home composting pic from SCDHEC

If you have even a small yard, that could be plenty of space for your own compost pile or backyard bin!  

Bonus, you can keep your nutrient rich compost at your home to benefit your own landscape!  

Compost Resources