Composting Program

The City of Worcester has the largest municipal composting program in Massachusetts from its leaf and yard waste collection. Compost, available to city residents free of charge at the Residential Drop-Off Center, makes clay soils porous so they drain better and improves sandy soils moisture retaining capacity. Adding compost increases organic matter which provides food for microorganisms, balances pH (acidity/alkalinity) of soil and helps to build sound root structure for plants. Additional benefits include reduced plant stress from drought and freezing, improved vitamin and mineral content in food and a greatly reduced need for petrochemical fertilizers.

Composting at Home

The Department of Public Works offers compost bins for home use to Worcester residents. The "Earth Machine" composter costs $45.00 and can be purchased at:

Department of Public Works
Customer Service Center
76 East Worcester Street
Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Please call 508-929-1300 in advance so that we may have the bin ready.

Compost at the Residential Drop-Off Center

Compost is also offered to Worcester residents free of charge at the Residential Drop-Off Center. The drop-off center has a permanent compost pickup area. The center is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is available to city residents only.

The center is located at 1065 Millbury Street, Worcester, MA.

Resources

• EPA - The Environmental Protection Agency's complete guide to composting at home.
• USDA - U.S. Department of Agriculture Backyard Composting Tip Sheet
• MassDEP - Information about composting and organics