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The City’s Yard Waste Center will resume normal operations on May 19, which includes lifting the temporary waiver of disposal fees and providing services to local contractors. Residents and contractors may continue to use the center, located at 900 N. New Hope Road, Raleigh, to drop off yard waste.
To mitigate safety concerns and adhere to social distancing guidelines, the Yard Waste Center has put in place various safety measures. These include installing a plexiglass shield guard between customers and center staff, providing personal protective equipment for attendants and scale operators, and sanitizing all areas daily.
The Yard Waste Center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. till 3 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. till 1 p.m.
Yard Waste Center Products
Raleigh Organic Mulch
Raleigh Organic Mulch is the woody debris from the ground yard trimmings. After the ground yard trimmings has completed the compost process, the mulch is processed through a screen that separates the mulch and compost. Any weeds seeds and pathogens have been destroyed since our mulch is screened after it has been heat treated during the compost process.
Mulch will conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds and promote earthworm activity. It contains up to 20 percent compost, which will help feed the plants.
Leaf Mulch
Leaf mulch is the result of letting loose leaves collected by the City of Raleigh’s Transportation division decompose over time. The leaves turn from dark brown to black and have an earthy aroma and crumbly texture.
Leaf mulch is a soil conditioner. Instead of supplying the plants with nutrients like compost does, it improves the soil structure. It can be mixed into your garden soil to increase water retention making it easily available for plants.
Wood Chips
Made from chipped or ground trees and branches, wood chips make an attractive and decorative border for paths, in planting beds, or around trees and shrubbery.
Here’s a chart that shows more information on our compost and mulch products.
| Products | Compost |
Mulches (various types) |
| When to Use Them | Primarily spring and fall, some summer, little in winter | Primarily spring and fall, some summer, little in winter |
| Where Can I Get These Products |
Professionals – from Raleigh Yard Waste Center Residents – from resellers |
Professionals – from Raleigh Yard Waste Center Residents – from resellers |
| Why Should I Use These Products |
For:
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For:
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| How Should I Use These Products | Incorporate 1-2 inches into soil to improve it, creating a landscape-grade soil. Apply 1/2 inch over poor turf after aerating. Use as ingredient in bioretention media. Use coarse compost as slope mulch and in filter socks. | Top-dress two inches on soil around plants, apply to slopes to reduce erosion. |
Video: We Compost Your Yard Waste!
Watch our short video on what we do with your yard waste. (Hint: We compost it!)
Did You Know?
As much as 30 percent of the waste you generate at home could be composted in your own backyard! This would save collection and transportation costs by City crews and reduce pollution. In addition, this fantastic nutrient rich compost can be placed back into your garden to improve soil texture, improve the ability of soil to retain moisture, add nutrients to the soil, and moderate fluctuations in soil surface temperature.
