Compost Program

two hands holding compost with food scraps in the background

Curbside Pickup Program

Wakefield’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is partnering with Black Earth Compost to offer residents a voluntary, curbside compost pickup program. The DPW has starter kits for new subscribers (while supplies last). The free starter kits include a 13-gallon bin and a roll of bin liners. 
 
We have reached the following volume discount rate and will be eligible for a pricing review at 500 customers:
  • Weekly pickups: $74.99/6 months or $13.99/month
  • Every-other-week pickups: $55.99/6 months & $10.99/month

In addition to food waste, including egg shells, coffee grounds, and meat bones, the compost program accepts items like toothpicks, popsicle sticks, houseplants and flowers, paper towels, and cooking oil. Read the full list of compostable items.

Learn more about the program: read the frequently asked questions and enroll today!

About Composting

Composting is a process that turns organic materials like food, leaves, and yard waste into soil enrichment.  Known as "black gold" to gardeners, compost replenishes nutrients in the soil, helps it retain moisture, makes the soil easy to work, and helps plants resist disease. Composting can also help reduce methane production at landfills and have other environmental benefits. Read about the benefits of composting and how to do it at home.

  • According to the MassDEP, organic waste makes up nearly 25 percent of the waste stream, which translates to over 1 million tons of organic waste in Massachusetts per year. Backyard composting is a great way to divert materials from the waste stream and also provide residents with an alternative to yard-waste collection.
  • According to EPA estimates, composting diverts almost half a pound of food waste per person per day from the waste steam. For a family of four, that translates to over 600 pounds a year.