The compost site, 1 Kimberly Ave., is open from 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and, starting in June, from 6:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays. The compost site’s recycling process saves the city money by removing leaves from the waste stream. It earns income for West Haven by charging other cities for receiving their leaves and by selling the compost end product.

The first cubic yard of compost is free with proof of residence. Additional compost costs $25 per cubic yard. Residents must bring buckets and shovels. For a $50 fee, the Department of Public Works will deliver up to 2 cubic yards of compost to your home.

NOTE: Prior to the pickup or delivery of compost, residents must make a cash payment from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays in the public works office on the third floor of City Hall, 355 Main St. No credit cards or personal checks are accepted.

Composting at Home

Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste currently make up 20% to 30% of what we throw away — and should be composted instead. Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills, where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Click here for composting tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.