ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Residents who compost their food scraps have a new drop-off option in North Asheville, city officials announced Thursday.

The Asheville City Government said the ninth food-scrap drop-off site in the community composting program has opened at the North Asheville Community Center, at 37 E. Larchmont Road.

Officials said the site is open 24 hours a day and uses Bearicade Bins designed to prevent wildlife from accessing the contents.

The composting program, a joint effort between the city and Buncombe County Government, launched in 2022 and has diverted more than 1.5 million pounds of food waste from local landfills, according to the city.

Residents who want to participate can register online through the city’s composting program page to receive access to the food-scrap drop-off sites.

City officials credited collaboration among the city’s Public Works and Sustainability teams, Asheville Parks & Recreation and Buncombe County for expanding the program.

For more information, residents can email compost@ashevillenc.gov.