Published on December 20, 2024
Home composting can continue through the winter! The decomposition process continues, simply slowing down as the weather cools. If you use a compost pile, tuck the compostable kitchen waste under several inches of leaf matter to prevent unwanted visitors. Or keep a separate stash of chopped leaves to use to cover the food scraps. No turning of the pile during the winter. Decomposition will speed up rapidly as the weather warms in the spring, and compost will form quickly during the summer.
Any food items that can’t be composted at home can be brought to the Manchester Food Scrap Drop-Off Program, where they are collected and sent for industrial composting.
And the Town continues to collect bagged leaves and yard debris curbside on the usual refuse collection day through the 2nd full week in January. Christmas trees can be put out too. This service is resumed the third week in March. (In between, leaves and yard refuse can be taken directly to the transfer station.)
For more information: Home Composting Through the Winter
Manchester Food Scrap Drop-Off Program
Manchester Leaf & Yard Waste Collection
Conservation Commission
Sustainability Commission