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.

Public Notice

The Bulk Waste Drop-Off Program is now taking appointments. The yard waste service is for Worcester residents only. There are no commercial entities and no commercial vehicles allowed. For as long as the crisis lasts, residents will be required to empty their own vehicles. Residents must wear a mask/face covering if getting out of the vehicle. Employees must also wear a mask/face covering. To protect residents and employees, employees will not have direct contact with residents or vehicles. Employees will direct residents where to pull up their vehicles, and where to dump waste.

Residents may drop off yard waste free of charge at the following times (April through November):

Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in November)
Sundays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in November) - Millbury Site Only

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 located at 1065 Millbury Street, Worcester, MA.

Compost pick up is available at the following times (proof of residency is required):

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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