Department Resources

Compost Drop-off

What is Composting?

Composting is a natural process by which organic waste – anything derived from animal or plant sources -- is broken down into a nutrient rich soil amendment called compost. Organic waste includes food scraps, yard waste, paper products and more.

By composting your food scraps and yard waste, you can help prevent harmful greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere. It is a powerful way to reduce your trash, combat climate change, and build nutrient rich soil. For more information, visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Compost: What Is It and What's It To You webpage.

How to Compost

You can compost in almost any setting, from indoor bins in apartments or condos to outdoor bins in backyards. A wide variety of organic waste can be successfully composted such as leaves, yard trimmings, fruit, vegetable scraps, eggshells, meat*, coffee grounds, food soiled paper towels and more.

*Fairfax County’s composting facilities accept meat, animal bones, and dairy items; however, these items are not recommended for your backyard compost bin or pile as they can attract animals.

Food Scraps Drop-off at the Farmers Markets

If you are interested in composting, consider dropping off your scraps at the Fairfax County Farmers Markets! Drop-off is available at all 10 markets and is a great way to put your food scraps to good use. By dropping off your weeks’ worth of scraps at a local Fairfax County Farmers Market, you are reducing landfill waste while also contributing to richer, more nutrient dense soil for agricultural and landscaping purposes.*

*We do not accept yard clippings at the Farmers Markets. If you’d like to compost your yard waste, please drop it off at the I-95 Landfill Complex or the I-66 Transfer Station.

Learn more about how to drop off your compost

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Department Resources

Compost Drop-off

What is Composting?

How to Compost

Food Scraps Drop-off at the Farmers Markets

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