As vegetable and flower gardens reach their peak and start to fade, lawns still need mowing and the fall outdoor cleanup season begins, there is plenty of good material available to start making compost. “Green” nitrogen-containing materials, such as grass and “brown” carbon-containing material, such as dried plants or leaves are essential ingredients for composting. Also fresh vegetable scraps, which do not contain meat or fat, can also be added safely to the compost pile. Shredded paper can also be added to supplement carbon sources.
If properly done, compost should not have an odor and if properly sited, the bins or piles can blend nicely into the garden or yard area. About a cubic yard, 3ft x 3ft, can be an ideal size for most home compost bins. This is a manageable size for turning and speed of composting. Moisture is needed for the most efficient composting, so keep the pile wet similar to a damp sponge.
If you do not want to start your own composting pile, SECCRA will accept your materials. All loads must be covered with tarp or plastic and secured with string or bungees. Upon arrival at the landfill, use the intercom to notify the weighmaster at the entrance of the scale that you have material for composting. Composting should not be bagged. If you use bags, please empty them when you are here, then reuse or dispose of them.
Grass, leaves, rakings, garden waste, and mulch (no vines or vegetation with thorns) can be disposed of free up to 500 pounds. There will be a fee of $20 per ton* for weights over this limit. Branches and limbs that are less than 5 inches in diameter and are not chipped can be disposed for $45 per ton*. Pallets, fencing, and lumber measuring over 5 inches in diameter will be processed for $62 per ton*.
NOTE: All prices quoted are accurate as of the date of this post. Click here to confirm costs on SECCRA's official pricing page.