Drop-Off Recycling Programs

Compost Recycling Program - Leaves and Yard Waste

Gloucester’s Compost Facility, located on Dogtown Road off Cherry Street is scheduled to open on the last Saturday of every month from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for brush, leaves, and yard waste. Leaves must be free of rocks and debris. Brush must be less than 4" in diameter and 4’ in length. Please empty all bags for better composting. No bricks, stumps, or PLASTIC BAGS will be accepted. There will be extended days during spring and fall:

  • Spring: April 25th-May 30th. Saturdays only, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Fall: October 31st-December 5th. Saturdays only, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Scrap Metal Program
Metal items (that are at least 80% metal) can be dropped off at the Department of Public Works (DPW) Yard on the last Saturday of every month from 9 am to 12 noon. Some acceptable items are: bicycles, water heaters, tools, washers, dryers, dishwashers, file cabinets, metal chairs, and gas grills (with out propane tanks). We cannot accept propane tanks, or any item containing Freon such as A/Cs, refrigerators, or de-humidifiers. Call (978) 325-5600 for more information. 

Mercury & Fluorescent Light Bulb Program 

Thermometers, thermostats, switches, nickel cadmium and button cell batteries can be brought to the Board of Health during normal business hours OR to the Department of Public Works (DPW) on the last Saturday of every month from 9am to 12 noon. Fluorescent light bulbs are only accepted by the Department of Public Works (DPW) on the last Saturday of every month from 9am to 12 noon. Button cell batteries are also being collected and recycled at the Senior Center, the Audiology Department at the Medical Center, McPherson Park, and Sheedy Park. 

Automotive Recycling Program 

Oil filters, motor oil, tires and car batteries are accepted. Oil taken during this time is used to heat the DPW building and must be as clean as possible. We do not accept: Gasoline, Anti-Freeze, Contaminated Motor Oil. These items can be brought to the DPW during the Hazardous Waste Collection which is usually the last Saturday in September. Tires are also accepted but rims must be removed. Commercial tires are not accepted. Please limit your tire disposal to 2 tires per month.

The following items are not accepted at the DPW: 

TV’s, computer monitors, refrigerators, freezer’s, A/C’s units, dehumidifiers. These items can be picked up curbside once a month - you must purchase a $30 appliance sticker at the DPW.

Hazardous waste such as oil based and marine paints, gasoline, pesticides, varnish, stain, etc. are not accepted at the DPW at anytime except for household hazardous waste day, which will be held the last Saturday in September!