Cambridge Plants 475 Trees with Finished Compost from Yard Waste Program

The City of Cambridge and its yard waste collection contractor, Save That Stuff, have partnered to incorporate composted yard waste into the soil for new tree plantings in Cambridge. The pilot project is another step forward in creating a more circular economy while supporting the city’s goals of increasing the tree canopy.

The City also plans to give away finished compost on May 7, 2022. Since 2021, finished compost made from Cambridge's yard waste has been made available to Cambridge residents annually. On Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., the city will host a finished compost giveaway at Squirrel Brand Park, 268 Broadway, Cambridge. Residents must bring their own bins to get the soil. Limit 20 gallons per household. There will also be an opportunity to see the new trash carts and talk to DPW staff about recycling, composting and more.

Cambridge’s Forestry Division plants trees each spring and fall. In fall 2021, all 475 tree plantings were planted using 10 tons of finished compost mixed with wood chips. The wood chips were created from city trees that had fallen limbs and required pruning. The finished compost was generated from Save That Stuff’s yard waste processing site in Brockton, MA. Sourcing soil and wood chips locally reduces the city’s environmental impact and supports our local economy.

With the help of Save That Stuff, more than 140 tons of composted yard waste from Cambridge has been used locally to support trees, gardens, and farms. Last year, the City collaborated with Save That Stuff and The Food Project to use composted yard waste to grow food at a local farm.

Collecting yard waste also has tremendous positive impacts on our environment downstream, too. When residents remove yard waste from lawns, sidewalks, and curbs, they keep them from being carried into storm drains. When leaves and twigs get into storm drains, phosphorus is released into the Charles River and Alewife Brook. In water, phosphorus acts as a pollutant, causing toxic algae blooms which can harm fish, humans, and pets.

Photo: Finished compost from the City of Cambridge Yard Waste Program was used to plant 475 trees last fall.