Mulch & Compost
We now deliver mulch and compost!
Delivery charges apply (10 miles or less = $50; 11 miles up to a maximum of 20 miles = $75)
Call 919-968-2788 for details.
PLEASE NOTE THAT DELIVERY MAY TAKE UP TO TWO WEEKS OR MORE
Please note that, in light of demand, deliveries are being scheduled for two weeks in advance. It is also requested that you email your requests for mulch delivery to recycling@orangecountync.gov and use “Mulch Delivery” in the subject line. Once received, you will be contacted and a pre-delivery meeting will be scheduled. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we strive to give exceptional customer service!
Mulch & Compost
Mulch and compost are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon at the Orange County Landfill located at 1514 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill. For more information call 919-968-2788.
Stop at the scale house first, located on the north side of Eubanks Road, to pay for the product. Landfill staff will load trucks and trailers only. Purchasers must cover their load with a tarp prior to leaving the landfill. Orange County is not responsible for any damage due to loading or delivery. *Tarps can be purchased at the scale house ($8.00 for 8 foot and $12.00 for 10 foot)
Conventional Yard Waste Mulch
$25 per 3 cubic yard scoop
Origin
Made from clean yard waste brought to the landfill by residents, local government collection programs and contractors of Orange County. The yard waste is chipped and aged at least 70 days to allow the mulch to decompose slightly prior to sale. The decomposition process creates a heat surge that “fixes” the organic material so it will not harm plants when applied directly to landscapes. The heat surge also reduces the presence of pests, pathogens and fertile weed seeds.
Class "A" Compost
Two Purchasing options:
- $40 per one cubic yard scoop. Trucks and trailers only.
- $6 per one cubic foot bag.
Origin
Produced by a commercial composting firm located in Goldston, North Carolina, Brooks Contractors. Food waste collected in the County’s food waste collection programs combined with other organics such as manure, wood chips, and agricultural waste, create the feedstock for this rich compost.
“Class A” is the highest grade given to compost in the State of North Carolina’s regulatory ranking system. The incoming materials are mixed in proper ratios of carbon and nitrogen and piled into windrows. The temperature, moisture and oxygen are controlled to accelerate decomposition. This process allows the finished material to fully stabilize after which it will not overheat or produce unpleasant odors.
Compost is typically blended with native soils depending on the application. This product is suitable as a soil amendment to naturally enhance the nutritive value of your soil, improving plant and crop growth, while also helping soils to retain moisture and prevent erosion. It is suitable for unrestricted use on crops, landscape plants, turf or ornamentals.
Residential Food Waste Drop-off
Orange County operates 5 locations that offer free food waste collection. Visit the food waste drop-off page for more information.
Compost Bins for Sale
Orange County Solid Waste sells kitchen top compost bins and Earth Machine backyard composters. For more information on how to purchase these items, click here.
Compost Demonstration Sites
There are two outdoor composting demonstration sites located in Orange County where you can learn more about outdoor composting and observe it "in action". Click here for more information.
Additional Information
Mulch is most commonly used to top dress gardens and landscapes to provide a distinct boundary for landscaped and garden areas, to suppress weed growth without the use of chemicals and to help soil retain moisture. It can also be effective as a ground cover to help control erosion in certain circumstances. Ask your state or county erosion control inspector for assistance, or visit the North Carolina Compost Council webpage.
Yard Mulch
Yard waste mulch is ground through a 3 inches by 4 inches screen which produces pieces 3.5 inches to 4 inches long, and no greater than 1 inch in circumference with a majority of the material smaller than 1/2 inch.
Applying Mulch
Spring and fall are the best times of year to apply mulch. One cubic yard of mulch spread two inches thick will cover approximately 180 square feet of ground. Spread mulch evenly, but avoid mulching directly around stems and trunks of trees.
Compost
Compost is a dark, crumbly soil-like material that is an excellent natural soil additive. It can help transform heavy red clay or loose sand into rich fertile soil without the use of chemicals. To rejuvenate an impoverished soil or establish a new garden plot, apply 2 to 3 inches of compost, and dig it into the surface of the soil.
Disclaimer
Orange County Solid Waste Management is unable to guarantee that these products do not contain weed seeds, organisms, metal or other contaminants. Orange County is not responsible for any damage due to loading or delivery.