Can I add yard debris to the food scrap carts?

Please, NO yard debris, the food scrap carts are for food scraps ONLY!  


Yard debris is already picked up curbside and sent to the compost facility.  For more information on curbside yard debris collection for the City of Charleston visit https://www.charleston-sc.gov/348/Trash-Yard-Waste-Collection or please contact your local jurisdiction.


But if they are both being composted, why can’t I mix them?  There are lots of reasons!

  • To make compost, it is necessary to follow a recipe.  The recipe requires certain parts of green material, (like food scraps), certain parts of brown material, (like yard debris), and a certain amount of moisture, aeration and heat.  Following the recipe is really important for optimum decomposition and a healthy compost pile, and utilizing a variety of material sources is important too.  
  • The Bees Ferry Compost facility is professionally managed and needs to obtain the raw ingredients separately in order to make compost.  The compost facility will then mix the raw ingredients together based on the ratios of the recipe.
  • Plus, food waste breaks down at a different rate than yard waste, so the facility handles yard debris differently than food waste, which often needs to be broken down into smaller pieces.

Show All Answers

1. Why are the food scrap carts locked and what is the lock code?
2. Should I use a compostable liner bag in my bin or pour food scraps into cart loosely?
3. Is there a difference between biodegradable and compostable?
4. I live in the region but not in the official City of Charleston limits, may I participate too?
5. Can I add yard debris to the food scrap carts?
6. Where can I report a maintenance concern or program issue?
7. Why aren't there more drop sites?
8. How do I store my food scraps?
9. How frequently should I drop-off my food scraps?
10. Will the program accept compostable bags and other BPI certified compostable containers?
11. Where will the food scraps go?
12. How often are the food-waste carts emptied?
13. What are the benefits of composting?
14. How do I sign-up and is there a cost?
15. How do I participate and when are drop sites open?
16. What items can I put in the food scrap carts?
17. How is commercial composting different from backyard composting?
18. I already compost in my backyard, can I still drop off food scraps and participate in the program?
19. I’d like to compost in my backyard, do you have any tips?
20. Can businesses compost using this program?