After a very successful pilot phase in 2025 funded by PMNA, NEST is pleased and excited to continue our unique food waste collection and composting program. This is a community-led climate action that reduces methane emissions from the landfill and turns food scraps into nutrient-rich compost for local gardens. With it, and NEST’s other activities, Plaza Midwood is leading the way in Charlotte in championing and protecting our local environment.
The Details
How It Works
- Collect your food waste using a bucket provided by Crown Town Compost (or your own).
- Drop your food waste off at one of three neighborhood locations:
- Arts+ – 2304 The Plaza (bins are behind the building next to the parking lot on Mecklenburg Ave.
- Holy Trinity Lutheran Church – 1900 The Plaza (behind the sanctuary building, next to the parking lot on Belle Terre Ave.)
- The Vine United Methodist Church - 2101 Belvedere Ave. (along the left side of the main driveway up to the church)
Each site has locked bins that are accessible 24/7. Participants receive the lock code after signing up.
What You Can Compost (Hint: Almost Everything!)
Because this is commercial-grade composting, you can include far more than in typical home setups:
- Meat, fish, poultry, and bones
- Dairy (cheese, eggs, etc.)
- All spoiled, unused, or inedible food
- BPI-certified compostable restaurant containers, utensils, and cups
"Food and fiber" is an easy way to remember. If it was edible, it goes in. Napkins, flowers, egg shells, and coffee grinds are all welcome, as well. Please no charcoal, animal/human feces or urine, or excessive amounts of liquids.
Where Does It Go?
Crown Town Compost will collect and haul your food waste to their composting facility. Once composted, the finished product will be delivered to Midwood Park’s Community Garden — creating a beautiful, local, circular system of waste-to-soil.
Be Part of the Change
NEST believes Plaza Midwood can lead the way for Charlotte and inspire broader support for neighborhood (and eventually curbside) composting citywide. Let’s show what’s possible when we come together for the planet.
Ready to Join?
Get started today -- sign up online.
Have questions? Reach out to: Chris Lakin with NEST at clakin01@gmail.com
Let’s get composting, Plaza Midwood!