Compost Center opens for season

May 4

(2-3 minute read)

The Town of Reading has released details for the 2026 compost season, including accepted materials, access requirements, and important guidelines for residents using the Compost Center.

What can be brought to the Compost Center

Residents can drop off a variety of yard waste materials in the Compost Area, including:

Leaves
Grass clippings
General yard waste

Tree trimmings are also accepted, within the following limits:

Maximum 8 feet in length
Maximum 8 inches in diameter.

Officials remind residents:

NO brush in paper bags
NO paper bags in the brush pile
If bringing brush in bags, please empty them on site

Access requirements

The Compost Center is open to Reading residents only, and commercial vehicles are not permitted.

To access the facility, residents must have one of the following:

2026 Community Access Sticker
Available through the Reading Police Department or online through OpenGov.
Compost Center Only Sticker
Available through the DPW or online through OpenGov.

Location

The Compost Center is located on Strout Avenue, at the end of Grove Street past the golf course.

Stay updated

Any changes to the compost schedule will be shared through The Reading Chronicle, The Reading Advocate, and the Town website.

Questions

For more information about the Compost Area, trash, or recycling services, residents can contact the Department of Public Works.

781-942-9092 (until 3:00 pm Monday - Friday)
781-942-9077 (Monday - Thursday)

Keeping the Compost Center running smoothly

Town officials encourage residents to take advantage of composting services to properly manage yard waste and support environmentally responsible practices.

Following guidelines helps keep the Compost Center running efficiently for the entire community.