Chatham Green Waste Disposal Services

Our Green Waste Disposal Process

Contact Chatham's Department of Public Works for Seasonal Green Waste Collection & Municipal Composting Programs

Chatham’s municipal green waste services are designed to support residents in managing yard debris responsibly throughout the year. Seasonal curbside collection typically runs from April-November, with weekly neighborhood schedules and extended pickups during peak fall leaf drop. Residents should place green waste curbside by 7:00 AM, ensuring materials are at least three feet from storm drains and utilities. The Chatham Transfer Station offers organic drop-off during posted hours; resident permits or stickers are required, and only loose materials or those in biodegradable paper bags are accepted—no plastic per Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection guidelines. Specialized programs include brush and branch pickup (4-foot lengths, 50-pound bundles), Christmas tree collection, and coordinated storm debris removal after Nor’easters or ice storms. Finished compost is available for community gardens and residents, with educational workshops offered seasonally. For more information, contact:

Chatham Department of Public Works
221 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5155
Website: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/265/Public-Works

Understanding Green Waste Volume & Decomposition Dynamics in Chatham's Glacial Till & Sandy Outwash Soils

Chatham’s landscape is shaped by glacial till, sandy outwash, rocky shallow soils, and marine clay, as detailed in the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils influence how quickly green waste decomposes—sandy outwash promotes rapid drainage but can slow organic breakdown, while glacial till and marine clay may retain moisture, affecting composting rates. The town’s tree canopy, dominated by oak, maple, birch, beech, and pine, produces significant seasonal debris, especially during the sequential fall leaf drop. The local climate, with its variable precipitation, freeze-thaw cycles, and periodic Nor’easters, can lead to rapid green waste accumulation and complicate collection. Coastal influences and high water tables further impact decomposition, making proper sorting and timely removal essential for environmental health.

Chatham's Implementation of Massachusetts Organic Waste Management Requirements for Residents

Chatham aligns its green waste programs with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regulations, which mandate yard waste diversion from landfills and promote composting. Residents, businesses, and landscaping contractors must comply with state requirements for organic waste separation and alternative disposal. The town supports compliance through public education, enforcement, and regional partnerships for composting infrastructure. MassDEP oversees facility permitting, diversion tracking, and provides technical assistance to ensure Chatham meets landfill diversion goals. Local ordinances prohibit disposal of yard waste in regular trash, and the town offers community composting support and regular updates on best practices. For regulatory questions, contact:

Chatham Department of Public Works
221 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5155
Website: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/265/Public-Works

Proper Preparation & Sorting of Green Waste Materials for Chatham's Collection Programs

To ensure efficient collection and composting, residents must properly identify and prepare green waste. Acceptable materials include:

• Grass clippings (fresh or dried)
• Deciduous and evergreen leaves
• Garden debris (vegetable waste, flowers, pruned materials)
• Brush and branches (4-foot lengths, 50-pound bundles)
• Pumpkins, Christmas trees, holiday greenery
• Hedge trimmings, weeds

Prohibited materials:

• Treated lumber, construction debris
• Diseased plants, invasive species (bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, multiflora rose, garlic mustard, buckthorn)
• Contaminated organics (paint, chemicals)
• Stumps, roots

Preparation steps:

• Separate from inorganic debris (plastic, wire, stones)
• Use biodegradable paper bags or bundle with natural twine
• Remove soil and manage moisture
• Place curbside by 7:00 AM on collection day
• For storm debris, separate organic from construction materials and coordinate with emergency management

For detailed preparation guidelines, contact:

Chatham Department of Public Works
221 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5155
Website: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/265/Public-Works

Chatham Conservation Commission Guidelines for Green Waste Management Near Protected Areas

The Chatham Conservation Commission enforces the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40), which restricts green waste activities within 25-50+ feet buffer zones of streams, wetlands, and vernal pools. Organic materials may be used for erosion control, but natural leaf litter should be retained in conservation areas to support habitat. Invasive species must be disposed of separately to prevent spread, with special handling for Japanese knotweed, bittersweet, and buckthorn. Seasonal restrictions protect wildlife during nesting (March-August) and vernal pool periods (March-June). Residents are encouraged to coordinate with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for habitat protection. For site-specific guidance, contact:

Chatham Conservation Commission
549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5164
Website: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/392/Conservation-Commission

Protecting Chatham's Water Quality Through Green Waste Management & MS4 Stormwater Compliance

Proper green waste management is vital for protecting Chatham’s water resources, including Massachusetts Bay, Cape Cod Bay, and local rivers and ponds. Preventing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from yard debris helps reduce algae blooms and oxygen depletion. The town’s programs support soil health, carbon sequestration, and climate action by diverting organics from landfills and using finished compost for tree planting and park improvements. Compliance with MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards and the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act (M.G.L. c. 21) requires residents to keep organic matter out of storm drains and properly stage materials for collection. For water quality initiatives, contact:

Chatham Department of Public Works
221 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5155
Website: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/265/Public-Works

On-Site Green Waste Management: Composting, Mulching & Sustainable Practices in Chatham

Residents are encouraged to manage green waste on-site through composting and mulching, following local ordinances. Compost bins should be sited 10-20 feet from property lines and 50-100 feet from wells or water supplies. Piles must be managed to prevent odors, pests, and runoff, with attention to carbon-to-nitrogen ratios and moisture control, especially given Chatham’s variable precipitation and seasonal temperature swings. Prohibited compost materials include meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants, invasive species, and chemically treated organics. Sustainable alternatives such as mulch-mowing, brush chipping, and rain garden integration are recommended. For composting guidance, consult UMass Extension.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Chatham, MA?

Chatham’s green waste programs serve all neighborhoods, each with unique landscape and environmental features:

• Old Village: Historic homes, mature oak and maple canopy, narrow streets (curbside collection challenges), proximity to wetlands and floodplains
• Chatham Port: Large single-family lots, intensive gardening, high seasonal leaf volume, sandy soils, near Conservation Commission areas
• West Chatham: Mix of single- and multi-family properties, newer developments with younger trees, shared green waste responsibilities
• South Chatham: Meadow and woodland areas, naturalized plantings, senior communities needing collection support, marine clay soils
• North Chatham: Steep slopes, glacial till, mature beech and birch, storm debris vulnerability, limited on-site composting options
• Stage Harbor: Waterfront properties, floodplain management, native plantings, seasonal gardening, utility conflicts
• Downtown/Depot Road: Urban density, limited yard space, alley vs. curbside collection, historic district composting restrictions

For neighborhood-specific questions, contact:

Chatham Department of Public Works
221 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5155
Website: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/265/Public-Works

Chatham Municipal Ordinances for Green Waste Equipment Operation & Commercial Services

Chatham regulates green waste equipment operation and commercial services to ensure community safety and environmental compliance. Collection and equipment use are permitted weekdays 7:00 AM-7:00 PM, Saturdays 8:00 AM-6:00 PM, with Sunday restrictions—residents should verify local bylaws. Commercial haulers must be licensed and registered with the Town Clerk, and all disposal must follow right-of-way and holiday regulations. Enforcement ensures that only permitted materials are collected and that operations do not interfere with traffic or utilities. For ordinance details or commercial registration, contact:

Chatham Department of Public Works
221 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5155
Website: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/265/Public-Works

Chatham’s green waste programs reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and community partnership, supporting a cleaner, healthier town for all residents.