Composting is the decomposition of plant remains and other once-living materials to make an earthy, dark, crumbly substance that is excellent for adding to houseplants or enriching garden soil. It is the best, most efficient way to recycle your yard and kitchen wastes, and is a critical step in reducing the volume of garbage needlessly sent to landfills for disposal. It's easy to learn how to compost!
Composting is not a new idea. In the natural world, this same process occurs as leaves pile up on the forest floor and begin to decay. Eventually, the rotting leaves are returned to the soil, where living roots can finish the recycling process by reclaiming the nutrients from the decomposed leaves.
Today, the use of composting to turn organic wastes into a valuable resource is expanding rapidly throughout the United States and in other countries, as landfill space becomes scarce and expensive, and as people become more aware of the impacts they have on the environment.
Residents are encouraged to contribute to the "composting revolution" by recycling yard and kitchen waste on their own property. Your privately contracted trash hauler will also provide several dates in the Fall which they pick up leaves and yard waste from your property. However, for those who are not able to do so, the Township provides a compost site at 1542 Mill Road for residents of Tredyffrin Township and contractors hired by Tredyffrin residents. This site is open periodically throughout the year.
All residents of the Township are permitted to haul materials to the Mill Road Leaf Site for disposal, when open. Proof of address (driver's license, etc.) is required.
Branches / brush / stick requirements - maximum diameter six (6) inches, maximum length twelve (12) feet, minimum length four (4) feet.
The following material will not be accepted: Twigs and hedge clippings, vines, fresh or rotten firewood, stumps, roots, garden debris, thorn bushes, or large branches (see requirements above).
There will be no access to the Mill Road Leaf Site on weekends for contractors.
A special permit is required for each property serviced. The permit MUST be signed by the property owner and will only be valid for that specific property. The permit will indicate the number of loads of leaves to be removed from the property. The permit MUST be brought with EACH load to be dumped or you will not be permitted to dump. The Township employee checking the permit will sign and date each load dumped. After the last load allowed by the permit is dumped, the permit will be turned in and kept at the leaf site. Additional loads for that property will require an additional permit.
Leaf Hauling Permit Application costs $50.00 per vehicle per season. Permit sticker must be attached to each vehicle. Permits can be obtained at the Public Works Building at the Township Complex, Monday through Thursday 7:00AM to 12:00PM. There will be no refunds or credits.
Contractors to haul leaves only to the Mill Road site - No branches, sticks or wood chips. Any violation (illegal dumping, bad checks, etc.) of these regulations may result in a revocation of dumping privileges.
Free Compost: Free compost is also available at the Teegarden and Wilson Farm Parks 7 days per week during certain times of the year.
Questions can be directed to publicworks@tredyffrin.org or 610-408-3620.
The Mill Road Leaf Site will be open beginning on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 through Saturday, December 6, 2014.
The gate will be locked at the aforementioned closing times.