The City’s composting area will be open at 170 Glendale Road for Northampton residents from 7:00am-4:00pm on 16 Saturdays from April 1st to November 30th, with easy entry through the back gate. A residential vehicle permit will be required for access to this free service. The schedule will be as follows:

• Two Saturdays in January for Christmas trees
• The 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month from April 1st-November 30th
Brush must be less than four feet in length and less than six inches in diameter, and must be kept separate from other yard wastes. Leaves will be accepted loose or in brown paper leaf bags. Plastic bags and stumps will not be accepted.

For more information, call the Department of Public Works at 413-587-1570 x4306.

• Compost Bin Order Form "Earth Machine"
• Turning Compost Bin Order Form
• Vermicomposting Bin Order Form
• Rainbarrel Order Form

The Northampton Department of Public Works’ food waste collection program is 152 weeks old! Currently, 415 households are diverting 2 tons of food & non-recyclable paper waste from the landfill to make a rich soil amendment at the Farmer's Friend composting facility in Belchertown.

Effective April 15, 2013, the food waste program will become available to everyone who has access to the Locust Street Recycling Center-- with no additional membership fees! A valid vehicle permit is required for access to the Locust Street Recycling Center, which costs $25 for all residents.

For more information, contact Deb Laizer at 587-1570 ext. 4306 or at dlaizer@northamptonma.gov

• Organics section of Landfill Alternatives Study (July 2009)
• PVPC Regional Composting Report (Dec 2010)
• CET On-Farm Composting Project Report (Sept 2000)
• CET School & Restaurant Guide (May 2003)
• MA DEP Solid Waste Master Plan (July 2010)
• Composting is Easy (from Mass DEP)