Toms River officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of a popular program offering free compost, mulch, and wood chips made from locally recycled yard waste.
Get your garden and landscaping in gear in Toms River. Stop paying for expensive mulch, compost, and wood chips at bigbox stores.
Toms River residents once again have access to free compost, mulch, and wood chips through the township’s recycling program, giving homeowners and gardeners a cost-saving option for landscaping and garden projects. The materials are available at the Toms River Recycling Center, located at 1672 Church Road.
Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick today said the compost is produced from leaves collected throughout the community each fall and has become a popular resource for residents looking to improve soil quality and support healthy plant growth. The nutrient-rich compost helps retain moisture, improve soil structure, and provides an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Recycling program turns yard waste into useful products
“Our recycling center is one of the best services we provide to residents,” Acting Business Administrator Drew Chabot said. “Residents bring leaves, branches and organic material to us, and we’re able to turn those materials into something useful that goes right back into the community.”
Chabot added that the program is sustainable, cost-effective, and helps keep Toms River beautiful. Officials noted that residents can also pick up free brown mulch and wood chips produced from recycled brush and tree debris collected throughout town.
Materials available year-round
Township officials said the mulch and wood chips can help control weeds, retain soil moisture during the summer months, and protect garden beds. Wood chips are also suitable for walking paths, playground areas, and around trees and shrubs.
“The leaves and brush residents put out at the curb don’t go to waste,” said Sanitation and Recycling Superintendent Michael Benyola. “We recycle that organic material into high-quality compost, mulch and wood chips that residents can take home and use in their own yards and gardens.”
Officials said delivery service is available for larger quantities exceeding five yards, making the materials accessible for major landscaping or gardening projects.
Recycling center accepts a variety of materials
In addition to offering compost and mulch, the Toms River Recycling Convenience Center accepts branches, brush, leaves, stumps, scrap metal, and other recyclable materials. Township officials said the facility also helps residents properly dispose of bulky items and reduce illegal dumping.
The Recycling Convenience Center is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is closed on holidays. Residents seeking additional information can contact the Township Division of Sanitation at 732-255-1000.
Key Points
• Toms River residents can pick up free compost, mulch, and wood chips at the Recycling Center on Church Road.
• Materials are produced from leaves, brush, and yard waste collected throughout the township.
• Delivery is available for larger quantities, and the facility accepts a wide range of recyclable materials.