Ask A Meck County Expert 

Mecklenburg Solid Waste experts receive hundreds of residential waste disposal and recycling questions weekly. To educate and empower Natural Awakenings readers, their experts provide updates and answer some of the most frequently asked questions in a bi-monthly column.

Fall is Mulch and Compost Season

Fall is the time to prepare yards and gardens for winter. Mecklenburg County Solid Waste offers several types of mulch and organic compost for use on plants and yards. But what should you use, where can you get it, and what does it cost?

Types of Mulch:

1. Brush Mulch: Made from leaves and woody materials, Brush Mulch is free for all county residents at full-service recycling centers.
2. Select Hardwood Mulch: Created from grinding tree bodies (without leaves), it is lighter in color and costs $15 per cubic yard or $2.50 per bag.
3. Dyed Mulch: Available in dark brown (mocha) and black for a finished look, priced at $26 per cubic yard.

Compost:

 Compost is a fine-grained organic product created from aging organic materials over nine months. It costs $20 per cubic yard or $3.65 per bag and is available at all full-service centers. Compost is a great soil amendment, enhancing water retention and enriching North Carolina's clay-heavy soil.

Mulch vs. Compost:

• Compost is mixed into the soil to add nutrients and improve soil structure.
• Mulch is spread on top of the soil to limit weed growth, prevent erosion, and retain moisture.

Choose the right product based on your gardening needs to keep your yard healthy and thriving through the seasons. Visit MeckMulchMadness.com for more information and a list of companies that deliver to homes and businesses. 

 

If you have program questions about recycling, waste diversion or anything else related to waste, please visit WipeOutWaste.com. To submit a waste disposal and recycling question, email [email protected]. Jeff Smithberger, Director of Solid Waste, answers the top seven residential recycling questions at https://tinyurl.com/MeckRecyleRightFAQs.