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.

Compost Mound at the Residential Drop Off Center in Front of Winter Sand Pile

Composting at Home

The Department of Public Works offers compost bins for home use to Worcester residents. The New Age Composter costs $65.00 and can be purchased by appointment. One (1) compost bin per resident. Proof of residency required.

Payment is by exact cash or check only. No refunds or exchanges for the Compost Bin/Earth Machine.

Compost bins may be picked up at either 20 East Worcester Street or 1065 Millbury Street.

DPW, 20 East Worcester Street, 2nd Floor Welcome Desk: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (not available from 12 - 12:30 p.m.)
Residential Drop-Off Center, 1065 Millbury Street: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. (not available from 12 - 1 p.m.) Please call 508-929-1300 x50112 to make an appointment for pick up at this location.

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 during the following times (proof of residency is required):

Hours

April - November:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in November)
Winter Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Resources

EPA - The Environmental Protection Agency's complete guide to composting at home
USDA - U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
MassDEP - Information about composting and organics