Composting is a great way to dispose of unwanted food and yard waste. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 28 percent of what we throw away.” Composting produces a valuable soil additive that can increase plant growth while also diverting materials otherwise sent to landfills for disposal.
Compost can be applied directly around the base of trees and shrubs to serve as a mulch. It also can be worked into the top six to eight inches of the soil to provide increased water retention and valuable nutrients. For more information about how you can incorporate composting into your routine, we’ve included a Frequently Asked Questions section below. There’s also a section providing additional links and information. You can always access our search tool by clicking the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
- A variety of materials can be used in composting, including dead leaves and grass clippings, coffee grounds, vegetable and fruit scraps, and more. For more information, please visit the following links:
- There are several locations across the Commonwealth where compost materials can be dropped off. To see if one is located near you, please click the following links:
- There are a variety of factors used to determine whether a permit is needed. For more information, please visit the following link:
- Technical assistance is available at no charge to Pennsylvania local governments selected to participate. For more information, visit the Technical Assistance webpage.
Additional Links & Information
- The Use of Compost as an Erosion and Sediment Control Best Management Practice (PDF)
- PennDOT Publication 408 (PDF)
- For additional information regarding these specifications or to get your product on the approved sellers list for PennDOT, please contact them via their online form at the following website at Contact PennDOT Central Office.