Organic compost. $40 per ton.
Compost hours:
Tuscarora Landfill (252) 633-1564
7400 Old Highway 70 West, New Bern
Mon-Sat 7:30 am — 4:30 pm
Newport Transfer Station (252) 233-3321
800 Hibbs Road, Newport
Mon-Sat 7:30 am — 4:30 pm
Grantsboro Transfer Station (252) 745-4149
3291 Highway 306 North, Grantsboro
Mon-Sat 7:30 am — 4:30 pm
What is it?
CEP produces a high-quality yard waste compost for sale to the public. As of 2024, "CoastalGrow" has met all testing requirements for the United States Compost Council's (USCC) Seal of Testing Approval (STA) program. More information about USCC's STA program can be found here: https://www.compostingcouncil.org/page/CompostManufacturersSTA
The Compost Technical Data Sheets (CTDS) for CoastalGrow can be viewed below. These reports include test results, a list of ingredients, and recommended directions for use.
CoastalGrow is available in bulk at the Tuscarora Landfill, Grantsboro Transfer Station, and Newport Transfer Station.
Compost is an organic amendment to improve the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils. It is not considered a fertilizer as it is too low in nutrient content for all plant nutrient needs. However, compost has many benefits for soil improvement and plant growth.
What are the benefits?
- Improved drainage
- Improved aeration
- Increases water holding capacity
- Improves plant growth
- Improves some nutrients
- Decreased runoff of nutrients
- Reduced soil compaction
How do we make it?
CEP grinds only clean yard waste (leaves, limbs, etc.) for compost. No painted, pressure-treated or creosote wood is used.
After grinding, the material is laid out in windrows and water is added.
The internal temperature of the windrows rises to over 131 degrees Fahrenheit, killing off weed seeds and other undesirable matter.
After the compost has matured, the material is screened through a machine known as a trammel screen. The trammel screen separates small particles of material from large particles. With openings only 5/8ths of an inch in the screen, only very small particles are used for compost. Larger particles are sold as mulch or used in other landfill operations.
How should I use it?
Compost as Mulch:
Larger pieces of finished yard waste can be sold in bulk as mulch. This can be used on the surface of the soil in place of peat moss, pine straw, etc. Organic mulches are valuable because they reduce rainfall runoff, de-cultivate, and help control weeds. Recommended thickness of mulch layers are 2-3 inches for deciduous shrubs and trees, vegetable, and rose beds; 3 inches for flower beds; 4 inches for shallow-rooted, acid-loving plants.
Compost as a Planting Medium:
Compost may be used in potting soil. However, it should not make up more than 25-30% of the soil. Frequently, compost will continue to decompose and there can be a significant volume reduction of the potting soil. Also, most weed seeds are killed by the high temperatures of the composting process, but not all. Some weed seeds are heat resistant and will not be killed. Used properly, minimal problems will occur with weeds in the use of compost.