Gloucester's Compost Facility and Home Composting Information

Dogtown Compost FacilityCompost Happens

Gloucester’s compost facility (located on Dogtown Road off of Cherry Street) is scheduled to be open the last Saturday of each month during the hours of 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for brush, leaves, and yard waste.

Leaves must be clean and free of rocks and debris. Brush must be less than 4 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length. Please empty all bags for better composting and please remember, no bricks, no stumps, and NO PLASTIC BAGS.

Please note that the Department of Public Works (DPW) does not carry/sell composting bins (or rain barrels).

The facility is open to residents only, commercial landscapers are not allowed to dump at this time.

2023 Extended Days

The facility will be open for six consecutive Saturdays in the spring:

  • April 29 
  • May 6  
  • May 13   
  • May 20 
  • May 27
  • June 3

The facility will be open six consecutive Saturdays in the fall:

  • October 28
  • November 4
  • November 11
  • November 18
  • November 25
  • December 2

Home Composting

What is Composting?

Composting is a controlled process of decomposition of organic materials. Naturally occurring soil organisms recycle nitrogen, potash, phosphorus, and other plant nutrients as they convert the material into humus.

Benefits of Composting
 Composting is a convenient, beneficial, and inexpensive way to handle your organic waste and help the environment. 

Composting:

  • Reduces the volume of garbage requiring disposal
  • Saves money for you and your community in reduced soil purchases and reduced local disposal costs
  • Enriches the soil. Using compost adds essential nutrients, improves soil structure, which allows better root growth, and increases moisture and nutrient retention in the soil. Plants love compost!

Please visit the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP’s) website to view the complete Home Composting Guide, which explains the elements of a good compost pile, how to make a compost pile, and also the different types of composting bins.

Don’t Trash The Grass!

Did you know that a 1/2 acre lawn in New England produces over 3 ton or nearly 260 bags of grass clippings each year? Think of all the time, money, and effort it would take to bag all those clippings. Why go through all that hassle when it’s really not necessary?

Please view the complete brochure Don’t Trash The Grass - MA Department of Environmental Protection.

For more information:
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

US Environmental Protection Agency