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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.
Raleigh Organic Mulch will help to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and promote earthworm activity in gardens and yards. 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.
Organic Compost
Compost revitalizes soil and enhances the growth and health of plants, while promoting pest and disease resistance. It stores moisture and nutrients, reducing plant stress from drought or neglect.
Our compost is made from a mixture of leaves, grass clippings, shrubbery trimmings and other organic yard wastes. It is ground in the City's tub grinder and assembled in windrows where it is monitored and maintained. After it meets the “Process to Further Reduce Pathogens” (PFRP) requirements, it is processed thru a screen that separates the mulch and compost. The City of Raleigh’s compost has received the U.S. Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance and certified for organic use by OMRI. It is tested bi-monthly for assurance.
Colored Mulch
Our colored mulch is woody debris that has been ground or screened four times and has been through the compost process, which destroys weeds seeds and pathogens. Mulch will conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds and promote earthworm activity.
The colorant used to dye our mulch is manufactured using environmentally safe materials. They are specially formulated to be nontoxic to children, animals and plants. Also, a mold resistant additive is included with the dye. The mold resistant additive is formulated to decrease the ability for mold and fungus to grow on your mulch.
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. |
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.
