Westwood Yard Waste Removal Services

Coordinating Yard Waste Removal with Westwood’s Department of Public Works

Yard waste removal in Westwood, MA is managed through the Department of Public Works (DPW), which oversees curbside collection and transfer station operations. Residents must adhere to the town’s collection schedule, with yard waste typically collected biweekly from April through November. Accepted materials include grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, which must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or open barrels (no plastic bags permitted). Each household is limited to 10 bags or barrels per collection. Oversized branches (over 4 feet in length or 4 inches in diameter) require special drop-off at the Westwood Transfer Station, open Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. Proof of residency, such as a utility bill or driver’s license, is required for access. Disposal fees may apply for large loads or commercial drop-offs. For up-to-date schedules and program details, consult the Westwood Department of Public Works.

Department of Public Works
580 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090
Phone: (781) 251-2587
Official Website: Department of Public Works

Westwood’s Yard Waste Disposal Regulations and Environmental Compliance

Westwood enforces strict yard waste disposal regulations to comply with Massachusetts landfill bans and promote environmental stewardship. Under state law, yard waste is prohibited from landfill disposal and must be composted or processed separately. Residents are required to:

• Use only paper yard waste bags or open barrels (no plastic bags)
• Exclude rocks, soil, and animal waste from yard waste collections
• Bundle branches securely with twine (no wire or tape)
• Ensure bundles do not exceed 4 feet in length or 50 pounds in weight
• Place materials curbside by 7:00 AM on collection day

Violations may result in non-collection or code enforcement action. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection provides additional guidance on composting and landfill bans. Residents are encouraged to participate in local composting programs to further reduce landfill impact.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5500
Official Website: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Permit and Access Requirements for Yard Waste Drop-Off in Westwood

Accessing the Westwood Transfer Station for yard waste drop-off requires compliance with municipal permit and identification requirements. Residents must:

• Obtain a valid Westwood Transfer Station permit (available at Town Hall or online)
• Display the permit on their vehicle when entering the facility
• Present proof of residency (driver’s license or utility bill)
• Follow posted hours: Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Adhere to material separation rules (yard waste, recyclables, and trash in designated areas)

Commercial landscapers must register with the DPW and pay applicable disposal fees, which are calculated by volume or weight. Unauthorized dumping or failure to comply with permit rules may result in fines or loss of facility access. For permit applications and fee schedules, visit the Westwood Department of Public Works.

Building Department
580 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090
Phone: (781) 320-1091
Official Website: Building Department

Recycling and Composting Mandates for Yard Waste in Westwood

Westwood’s yard waste program is designed to maximize recycling and composting, in line with state and local mandates. The town prohibits disposal of yard waste in regular trash and encourages residents to:

• Participate in curbside yard waste collection (April–November)
• Utilize the transfer station’s composting area for large loads
• Separate yard waste from household trash and recyclables
• Avoid mixing yard waste with prohibited materials (plastic, treated wood, or trash)
• Collect leaves and grass clippings for on-site composting when possible

Composted yard waste is processed into mulch, which is made available to residents seasonally. For more information on composting best practices and recycling mandates, refer to the Massachusetts Solid Waste Master Plan.

Parks & Recreation Department
50 Carby Street, Westwood, MA 02090
Phone: (781) 461-0070
Official Website: Parks & Recreation Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Westwood, MA?

• Islington: Characterized by older single-family homes and mature trees, Islington often generates significant leaf and branch volume. Narrow streets may require smaller collection vehicles and careful curbside placement.
• Westwood Center: This area features a mix of residential and small commercial properties. Access to the transfer station is convenient, but parking restrictions may affect collection timing.
• High Street Corridor: With larger lots and extensive landscaping, residents here frequently utilize the transfer station for bulk yard waste. Driveway access is generally good, but oversized loads may require advance notice.
• Deerfield: Newer developments with HOA regulations may have specific yard waste placement rules and require advance notification for bulk pickups.
• Fisher School District: Family-oriented neighborhoods with active yard maintenance needs. School proximity may affect collection schedules during peak hours.
• East Street Area: Rural characteristics and longer driveways can complicate access for collection vehicles, making transfer station drop-off a preferred option.
• Gay Street: Known for historic homes and tree-lined streets, this neighborhood may face seasonal debris challenges and require compliance with local preservation guidelines.