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Compost (Organics Recycling)

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Compost (Organics Recycling)

The City of Hoboken in partnership with Community Compost Company offers the following composting services. Community Compost Company takes collected food scraps to farms where they are recycled into compost, which is used to fertilize the soil.

Garbage from Hoboken is transported to a landfill in West Virginia and tipping fees alone cost approximately $106 per ton of waste. In comparison, food scraps and other organic materials are transported to a farm in upstate New York, costing approximately $20 per ton of waste. Separating food scraps and other organic materials from garbage for composting is an easy way to divert waste from the landfill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also saves money for Hoboken taxpayers by cutting down on landfill fees and the volume and frequency of garbage collection.

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The City of Hoboken in partnership with Community Compost Company offers the following composting services. Community Compost Company takes collected food scraps to farms where they are recycled into compost, which is used to fertilize the soil.

Garbage from Hoboken is transported to a landfill in West Virginia and tipping fees alone cost approximately $106 per ton of waste. In comparison, food scraps and other organic materials are transported to a farm in upstate New York, costing approximately $20 per ton of waste. Separating food scraps and other organic materials from garbage for composting is an easy way to divert waste from the landfill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also saves money for Hoboken taxpayers by cutting down on landfill fees and the volume and frequency of garbage collection.

Residential Compost Drop off Program — FREE!

The City of Hoboken and Community Compost Company offer a FREE compost drop off site for Hoboken residents.

Hoboken expanded the residential compost drop off program to 4 sites in 2020 and 12 sites in 2021. Residents are invited to drop off food scraps and other compostable materials (see “What can you compost?” below) in the Compost Shed at the following sites:

  • City Hall (near patio behind City Hall on Bloomfield Street between Newark and First Streets)
  • Church Square Park (near restrooms in the center of the park)
  • Elysian Park (near restrooms on the north side of the park)
  • 7th & Jackson Plaza (near Portland Loo restroom on 7th Street between Monroe and Jackson Streets)
  • Columbus Park (near 9th & Clinton Street)
  • Harborside Park (near shade structure in the center of the park)
  • Jackson St Community Garden
  • Maxwell Park (near Boathouse)
  • Multi-Service Center (near rink on 2nd Street between Grand and Adams Streets)
  • Southwest Park (on Harrison Street between Observer Highway and Paterson Avenue)
  • Stevens Park (on 4th Street at River Street)
  • Viaduct (14th Street at Adams Street) 
Register for FREE Compost drop off by completing this What Can You Compost? Quiz.

Each compost shed is locked to avoid contamination. The combination to unlock the shed will be provided after you successfully complete the quiz (on the last page).

  1. Unlock and open the lid of the shed using the combination. (Please do not open the front doors).
  2. Open the lid of the green toter.
  3. Dump your food waste into the green toter. (No plastic or "compostable" bags. Please drop all plastic in the garbage can.)
  4. Close and relock the lid of the shed.

PLEASE DO NOT DROP PLASTIC BAGS (INCLUDING COMPOSTABLE PLASTIC BAGS) OR OTHER GARBAGE INTO THE GREEN BIN! Plastic bags are NOT compostable in Hoboken, even compostable plastic bags. All bags should go in the garbage.

Download the Residential Composting Flyer

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Residential Compost Pickup Program

In 2015, the City of Hoboken partnered with the Community Compost Company to implement one of New Jersey’s first residential composting programs.

Community Compost Company picks up your food scraps (see “What can you compost?” below) directly from your doorstep for a nominal fee of $24/month for biweekly pick-up service or $39/month for weekly pick-up service.

Click here to register for residential compost pickup service with the Community Compost Company. 

Business and School/Institution Compost Pickup Program

Compost Company offers curbside pickup of food scraps services to local businesses, schools, and institutions.

Click here to register for commercial compost pickup service with the Community Compost Company. 

Download the Business and School Composting Flyer

knowledge base: faqs



Does the Shade Tree Commission have a list of trees that they recommend for planting? View the approved list of tree species.

Who should trim the tree in front of my house? Please contact David Calamoneri.

I know of a tree that I believe is dying or is dangerous, who should I contact? Please contact David Calamoneri.

How do I become a volunteer for the Shade Tree Commission? Please contact Peter Bakarich III.

How do I apply to be a commissioner on the Shade Tree Commission? Submit an application for appointment to citizen advisory boards and commissions.

When does the Hoboken Shade Tree commission meet? Click here to view the meeting dates for 2015.

What are the benefits and reasons for planting trees in Hoboken? Read about 13 Reasons to plant trees.

How can I find out info on the tree(s) on my Street? View the Hoboken Tree Inventory.

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