Why compost?
As much as 30-40% of all waste that is sent to the landfill or incinerator is composed of organic, compostable material. When organic materials break down under landfill conditions, they emit methane, a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Composting is not only a solution for reducing waste disposed in landfills and incinerators, but is a powerful tool for slowing global climate change. We look forward to a day when every Berkshire County resident has the opportunity to reduce their waste by composting, but we understand that there are constraints to composting at home.
Luckily, Berkshire county has multiple composting businesses and municipal programs that make composting much easier and more accessible!
Compost Services
Tommy’s Compost
Tommy’s Compost Service is a small, mom-owned business that provides food-waste pickup for residents and businesses in the Berkshires. They provide you with a 5-gallon collection bucket that you use to store your food waste in. Then, on your pickup day, you bring it out to the curb and they empty it for you and take the food waste to be composted. If you, your business, or your school would like to compost your food waste without having to do the dirty work yourself, Tommy’s Compost is a great option!
Berkshire Compost
Berkshire Compost is a curbside compost pickup service for all of Great Barrington and the surrounding towns. They provide a 5 gallon bucket with resealable lid for you to fill up. Pickups are weekly and when the compost is finished you can share in the bounty for your garden or pass it on to a friend!
Second Chance Composting
A family and locally owned business offering drop off, pickup, hauling, and processing of food scraps & organic matter in The Berkshires and Southern VT. We offer commercial food scrap collection for restaurants, schools, hotels, supermarkets, businesses, and events. We pick up weekly using 35 gallon totes that we provide and rinse every time. $2.30 per week residential drop off program in North Adams, Williamstown & Adams. Bagged leaves drop off & pickup. Pick up and drop off locations for commercial scale organic matter including leaves, woodchips, sawdust, manure, & yard debris. Partnering with landscapers, firewood/tree companies, farms & more. Annual Pumpkin Smash event! Community events, outreach, education & awareness.
Meadow Farm of the Berkshires
Located in South Lee, Meadow Farm accepts residential and commercial lawn, yard, and wood waste — including brush, logs, and stumps. Large scale and wood waste is accepted at a cost. There is a small bin for residential food waste drop off located out front that is available 24/7 at no charge. Located at 1125 Meadow St, Lee. Call 413-243-4111 for hours or any questions.
Municipal Composting
The following towns have drop-off composting available to residents. Contact your municipality’s transfer station or public works department to learn more.
Egremont, Monterey, New Marlborough, Sheffield, Williamstown
Composting at Home
Compost Bins
The following towns have backyard compost bins available for residents to purchase at a subsidized cost. Contact your municipality’s transfer station or public works department to learn more.
Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Hinsdale, Lee, New Ashford, Peru, Pittsfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Williamstown, Windsor