Buy Compost and Mulch

Hours

The Yard Waste Center is open:

Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. till 3 p.m.
Saturday from 7 a.m. till 1 p.m.

Compost and Mulch Prices

Product prices vary on the type of product and volume. Volume is determined by cubic yard (CY). Prices effective since July 1, 2021.

Product Volumes	Organic Compost	Organic Mulch	Leaf Mulch	Dyed Mulch	Wood Chips
1 to 11 CY (retail)	$30	$24	$20	$30	$10
12 to 15 CY, minimum (smaller trucks)	$15	$12	$10	$15	$10
16 to 99 CY (larger trucks)	$10	$8	$7	$10	$7
100 CY & over	Account Holders Only	Account Holders Only	Account Holders Only	Account Holders Only	Account Holders Only

Types of Products

We offer three different kind of yard waste products. Learn about each type.

Organic Compost

Raleigh Organic Compost is proudly OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) certified, meaning the compost is compliant with organic standards. Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves, into a valuable fertilizer that enriches soil and plants.

Raleigh Organic Mulch

Raleigh Organic Mulch is the woody debris from the ground yard trimmings. Any weeds seeds and pathogens have been destroyed since our mulch is screened after it has been heat treated during the compost process. It contains up to 20 percent compost, which will help feed the plants. Mulch will conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds and promote earthworm activity.

Leaf Mulch

Our leaf mulch comes from the loose leaves collected by the City of Raleigh’s Transportation division which decomposes over time. Leaf mulch improves the soil structure and 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.

How to Use Mulch and Compost

Find out when to use mulch vs. compost, best time of year to use these products and more.

Information	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: Improved soil conditions Improved plant establishment Water capture Reduced erosion	For: Aesthetics Reduced weed establishment Reduced watering Improved plant establishment
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.

Yard Waste Drop Off Fees

If you live in Wake County, you can drop off your yard waste like leaves at our center for a fee.

Commercial Vehicles: $25 per ton with a minimum fee of $12.50
Non-commercial Vehicles: $25 per ton with a minimum fee of $6.25

Non-Accepted Materials vs. Accepted Materials

Non-Accepted Materials	Accepted Materials
Treated Wood	Grass Clippings
Painted Wood	Yard Waste
Stained Wood	Brush
Dirt-Covered Stumps	Leaves
Concrete	Pine Straw
Asphalt	Untreated/Unpainted Pallets
Construction Debris	Shrubbery Trimmings
Building Materials	Limbs, Logs, and Stumps
Garbage	Hay
Food Waste
Dirt/Rocks

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.