Composting Program
Turning Waste into a Resource
Hamilton was the first community in Massachusetts to implement a town-wide composting program. Hamilton is proud to support composting as an effective way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich material for gardening and landscaping. Composting not only diverts organic waste from landfills but also contributes to a healthier environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil health. Hamilton’s composting program reflects our shared commitment to finding a solution that addresses rising trash collection and disposal costs while reducing the environmental impact of incinerators and landfills. Composting significantly lowers both financial and environmental costs to our residents.
To streamline waste management and improve sustainability, Hamilton requires residents to place their green and black bins, along with recycling bins, curbside for collection each week.
- Green Bin: For compostable materials such as food scraps and soiled paper products.
- Recycling Bin: For clean recyclable materials like plastics, metals, and paper.
- Black Bin: For regular trash items.
The collected organic waste is delivered to Brick Ends Farm, right here in Hamilton. There, it is processed and transformed into high-quality Premium Organic Compost and Loam Compost Mix—a sustainable way to recycle food scraps and organic materials into something beneficial for the environment. By participating in this system, you’re helping Hamilton reduce waste, lower costs, and protect the environment. Thank you for your cooperation as we work together for a greener future!
Weekly Collection
- On your regular trash collection day, a separate truck will collect your organic waste (compost).
- Place your compost bin curbside alongside your trash and recycling bins.
Backyard Composting Exemption Program Sticker
Hamilton residents who actively compost in their backyards may apply for an exemption from the curbside compost collection program to receive an exemption sticker by mail. This sticker signals to Casella haulers that your black bin can be emptied even if your green bin is not at the curb. Affix the sticker to the front of your town-issued black trash barrel, directly beneath the barrel number. The DPW will maintain a log of all issued exemption stickers, and periodic renewal may be required. If a renewal is necessary, the DPW will contact you. It is the Homeowner responsibility to ensure your sticker remains valid and is visible to the haulers to avoid any disruptions in service.
Don’t Have a Compost Bin?
If your residence does not have an official compost container, contact [email protected] You may need to fill out the following form and submit.
Learn More
For more information on composting or to join the curbside program, contact the Hamilton DPW:
- Phone: 978-626-5227
- Email: [email protected]
