Leesburg Opens Second Food Waste Composting Site

LEESBURG, VA — Leesburg is expanding its food waste composting pilot program with a second drop-off location at Tuscarora Creek Park, 425 Solitude Circle SE.

Like the first site, the new location is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free for Leesburg residents.

The first site, which opened in December 2024 at the Liberty Street parking lot, 204 Liberty St. SW, has collected more than 35 tons of food waste, diverting organic material that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Keeping food waste out of landfills can reduce methane emissions, while the resulting compost can improve soil conditions.

"Residents have strongly supported food waste composting and remain committed to disposing of food scraps sustainably," Leesburg's sustainability manager Deb Moran said. "We're excited to bring this service to more areas of town and hope to double the amount of food waste diverted from the landfill."

Residents can deposit food waste directly into the composting bins. If a bag is used, it must be compostable and certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute or the Organic Materials Review Institute. No other bags should be left on-site.

All food waste is accepted, including meat and dairy products not suitable for backyard composting. Trash, recycling and yard waste are not accepted.