Your weekend just got a little greener—the Carrboro Farmer’s Market will partner with Orange County Solid Waste Management starting June 18 to launch a pilot program offering a free food waste drop-off for local residents and farmer’s market attendees.
The program will continue every Saturday market day through September 3.
Anyone wishing to participate can bring food scraps – veggie scraps and all meet, bones and dairy, too – and food related paper, such as paper napkins and paper plates. Brooks Contractors, a commercial composting company, will compost all collected organic waste.
Volunteers are needed to educate others about components of the program and monitor the collection carts. They will also help determine if the program is successful and if it should continue to run after the first few months. Shifts run from 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. and from 9:30 a.m. – Noon.
In addition, June 18’s Farmer’s Market will include a “food waste awareness party” from 8:00 a.m. – Noon to kick off the project. Composting demonstrations and a worm bin exploration are included in the festivities.
Those interested in participating can contact Muriel Williman at muriel@orangecountync.gov, and those who pledge their participation in the program will receive a free food waste collection bucket.
Related Stories
‹
![]()
The Morning News: Crisis Diversion Facility, Learfield Director's Cup, UNC-NC State BasketballIn today's news: Orange County moves ahead on a new Crisis Diversion Facility, and UNC finishes fourth in the Learfield Director's Cup.

'A Long Time Coming': Orange County's Crisis Diversion Facility Set for Construction This SummerThe Orange County Board of Commissioners recently took a major step in its effort to expand local behavioral health services.

Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart Stepping Down; Interim Leader NamedQuintana Stewart, the health director who helped lead Orange County through its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is departing the role this summer. Dorothy Celinti, who has served as the interim twice before, will take over.

How Will Orange County Fill Bedford's Vacant Seat? Two Groups Will DecideAs Jamezetta Bedford's peers continue to process her death, they also have decisions to make on who will fill her vacant District 1 seat.
![]()
Orange County: Remembering Jamezetta Bedford, Open Seat Protocol, County EventsChair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, June 24, discussing county news and events. She shared the personal, professional, and public service impact of fellow commissioner Jamezetta Bedford, who passed away earlier in the week. She also outlined the legally mandated process for filling the empty seat on the county commissioners, and more.

Local Officials React To Orange County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford's DeathJamezetta Bedford — a longtime elected official in Orange County — died on Sunday. Here's what local officials had to say following the news.

Sitting Orange County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford Dies at 67Jamezetta Bedford — a longtime elected official in Orange County, accountant and advocate for residents with disabilities — died on Sunday, according to her family. The Chapel Hill resident was 67 years old.

Juneteenth Holiday to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange CountyAcross the country on Friday, Black Americans and communities will celebrate Juneteenth — the national recognition of when the final slaves were freed in the 19th century and of African-American culture. As a holiday, government services around the Orange County community will be affected on June 19 and the surrounding days. Here’s what residents can […]

Last-Ditch Effort to Trim Tax Increase Splits Orange County Commissioners; Budget Passes with Higher RateOrange County approved its budget plan for Fiscal Year 2027-28 with a 4.22-cent tax increase. But its approval wasn't without some bumps.

Refuel Prepares to Open Renovated Chapel Hill Location; Will Feature New Local MuralRefuel will celebrate the reopening of a newly renovated gas station, featuring a new mural, in Chapel Hill on Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m.
›