Compost Program
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What is compost?
Compost simply means controlled decomposition. For homeowners, it means putting all your organic waste (leaves, garden waste, food waste, etc) together and decomposing it in a controlled environment. The result is compost, a nutrient-rich garden amendment.
Why Compost?
• It’s a responsible convenient way to get rid of your organic waste
• It results in a nutrient-rich substance that will help your flowers, vegetables, and potted plants thrive
• It prevents storm water runoff pollution. For more information on the effects of storm water runoff, click here.
How does organic waste and composting affect storm water and water quality?
When organic waste is improperly handled, it can damage the natural environment and harm the municipal water supply. Composting is a good way to prevent mismanagement of waste. The following are two examples of organic waste management that impact water and the environment.
What is organic waste?
Organic waste is waste that comes from a plant or animal source and can be decomposed by living organisms. Here are some types of organic waste that you may deal with:
• Leaves • Grass Clippings
• Yard Waste • Food Waste
• Manure • Christmas Trees
• Garden Waste • Brush
Can I compost all organic waste?
You can compost almost all of these, with the exception of big branches, brush, and Christmas trees. Click here for a complete list of what you can and cannot compost.
What are my other options for dealing with organic waste besides composting?
1) Municipal organic waste pick-up
Some municipalities provide organic waste pick-up a few weeks each year. Do your research to find out what weeks of the year your municipality picks up organics. Be careful not to leave organics out at times when there is no pick-up, as nutrient runoff from leaves or brush can harm water sources.
2) Independent contractor
Some companies will contract with residents to dispose of their organic waste. Check with your municipality for a list of commonly used contractors.
3) Drop-off at a municipal site
Some municipalities provide a drop-off site for organic waste. Some also leave the finished compost, wood chips, or mulch out for residents to take home. Other nearby municipalities may accept organic waste from residents in your municipality.
Local Compost Facilities
- Chemung County Compost Facility
Blostein Blvd. Horseheads NY
Open from April through November (weather permitting)
Operating hours are: Tuesday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except for holidays)
Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
** Closed on Mondays for processing of materials.
For more information, please call (607) 739-3896.
- Town of Southport Brush Lot
Bob Masia Drive
Open to Town Residents only
- Town of Elmira Compost Program
Town of Elmira Highway Garage 1890 W. Water Street
7:00 AM until 3:30 PM Monday through Friday
8:00 AM until 12pm on Saturdays
CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS
Open to Town Residents only
- Chemung County Compost Facility
Blostein Blvd. Horseheads NY
Open from April through November (weather permitting)
Operating hours are: Tuesday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except for holidays)
Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
** Closed on Mondays for processing of materials.
For more information, please call (607) 739-3896.
- Town of Southport Brush Lot
Bob Masia Drive
Open to Town Residents only
- Town of Elmira Compost Program
Town of Elmira Highway Garage 1890 W. Water Street
7:00 AM until 3:30 PM Monday through Friday
8:00 AM until 12pm on Saturdays
CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS
Open to Town Residents only