TRENTON, NJ — As spring planting ramps up across the state, many New Jersey residents are spending heavily on topsoil, compost, mulch, and garden soil at home improvement and garden stores. But a little-known municipal resource is offering the same materials for free.
Across towns and counties in New Jersey, local recycling centers are providing residents with complimentary clean garden soil, shredded wood chips, and unshredded mulch. The service, often unpublicized, is available year-round but especially in demand during the spring growing season.
“Somebody once told me there are three things I’ll never pay for: water, dirt, and air,” a local gardener said while filling contractor bags at a municipal site this week.
Most municipal recycling centers allow residents to bring their own containers or bags and take as much as needed, with few restrictions. The material is typically created from collected yard waste, tree trimmings, and leaf debris, then processed into mulch or compost for redistribution.
Municipal officials encourage residents to check with their town’s Department of Public Works or recycling coordinator for specific details, including operating hours and required proof of residency. In many towns, access is open throughout the week with weekend availability.
Recycling centers offer sustainable gardening alternative
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This initiative not only reduces landscaping costs but also supports sustainability by repurposing organic waste. The materials provided are suitable for garden beds, landscaping projects, and erosion control, often rivaling the quality of store-bought products.
Gardeners are advised to bring their own tools such as shovels, buckets, or heavy-duty bags when visiting distribution sites. While the offer is generally available without charge, some towns may have limits or require ID for verification.
Increased awareness of the program has led to growing interest among residents looking to cut costs during planting season. Towns across Middlesex, Monmouth, Bergen, and other counties report higher traffic to their facilities this spring.
For New Jersey gardeners, the state’s recycling centers are proving that dirt doesn’t have to cost a dime.
Check with your local town or county Department of Public Works to see where you can fill up for spring.