Farmers' Market Composting

The City operates Food Waste Drop-Off Stations, located at Farmers' Markets in the City. City residents can drop off food waste free of charge.
Page updated on September 13, 2023 at 2:17 PM

Food Waste Composting Stations at Farmers' Markets

Food Waste Composting

 

The City's Resource Recovery Division operates Food Waste Drop-Off Stations, located at Farmers' Markets in the City. City residents can drop off food waste free of charge. The food waste will be taken to a local composting site and processed into compost, a rich soil amendment. Staff will be on site to explain how to compost food and yard waste at home, and accept items for composting.

Locations

Location Map of Food Waste Stations

Old Town Farmers' Market
Market Square, 301 King Street
Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. -- Open Year Round

Del Ray Farmers' Market
Corner of East Oxford & Mount Vernon Avenues
Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. --  Open Year Round 

Four Mile Run Farmers' Market
4109 Mount Vernon Avenue
Sundays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. -- Open Year Round 

West End Farmers' Market 
4800 Brenman Park Drive 
Sundays, 8.30 a.m. - 1 p.m. -- Opens April 9 through November 19  

Old Town North Farmers' Market 
901 North Royal Street
Sundays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Open Year Round

The Market at Southern Towers 
4901 Seminary Rd
Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Open Year Round
 

Please note, market locations and dates are subject to change. Services may be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather or other rare circumstances. Updates regarding any changes are shared on T&ES social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).

Materials Accepted at the Farmers' Market Composting Stations

A photo of a small, residential plastic compost bucket filled with orange peels and coffee grounds. Sits atop the large food waste container than people empty their compost into when visiting the food waste stall at Alexandria farmers' markets

The following items CAN be placed into food waste collection buckets for composting:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps 
  • Bread, pasta, rice, grains, & cereal
  • Nuts, beans, seeds (including shells/hulls)
  • Coffee grounds, filters, tea bags (no foil or foil-backed products)
  • Egg Shells
  • Flowers

Materials Not Accepted at the Farmers' Market Composting Stations

The following items CANNOT be placed in food waste buckets:

  • Meat, fish, shellfish (including bones)
  • Dairy products (cheese,  butter, ice cream, etc.)
  • Fats, oils or grease
  • Pet waste
  • Foam
  • Plastic bags, wrap, & film
  • Yard waste
  • Rubber bands and small fruit labels
  • Diapers

Yes / No Compost Flyer

Composting Yes No Flyer Feb. 2023
Food Waste Composting Station Map Page Summer 2023