Dedham Yard Waste Removal Services

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

Yard waste removal in Dedham 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, typically running from April through December, with pickups occurring every other week. Yard waste must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or open barrels (no plastic bags permitted) and set curbside by 7:00 AM on collection days. Accepted materials include grass clippings, leaves, and small branches (tied in bundles no longer than 3 feet). Bulk quantities or oversized branches require self-hauling to the Dedham Transfer Station, where proof of residency and a disposal fee may apply. For up-to-date schedules and accepted materials, consult the Dedham DPW Solid Waste page.

Department of Public Works
450 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 751-9350
Official Website: Department of Public Works

• Curbside yard waste collection: April–December, every other week
• Use paper bags or open barrels only (no plastic)
• Branches: bundled, max 3 feet long
• Transfer Station: proof of residency, fees may apply
• Collection schedule available online

Dedham’s Yard Waste Disposal Regulations and Environmental Compliance

Dedham 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 separate yard waste from regular trash and recycling. The town’s transfer station accepts yard waste for composting, but prohibits the inclusion of rocks, dirt, or plastic. Violations, such as mixing yard waste with household trash, may result in code enforcement actions or fines. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides additional guidance on composting and landfill bans. For hazardous materials, such as treated wood or pesticides, residents must use designated hazardous waste collection events.

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

• Yard waste landfill ban enforced statewide
• Composting required for grass, leaves, and branches
• No rocks, dirt, or plastic in yard waste
• Hazardous materials require special disposal
• Fines for improper disposal or contamination

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

Residents wishing to self-haul yard waste to the Dedham Transfer Station must comply with permit and access requirements. A valid Dedham resident sticker is mandatory for entry, available through the DPW for an annual fee (typically $25–$40). The transfer station operates Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and accepts yard waste in paper bags or loose in barrels. Commercial vehicles and contractors are subject to additional permitting and higher disposal fees. All users must follow on-site safety protocols, including proper unloading procedures and adherence to posted signage. For large-scale landscaping or tree removal, a special permit may be required from the Building Department. Always check current requirements before transporting materials.

Building Department
450 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 751-9240
Official Website: Building Department

• Resident sticker required for transfer station access
• Annual fee: $25–$40 (subject to change)
• Hours: Mon–Sat, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Commercial vehicles: additional permits/fees
• Special permits for large-scale removal

Recycling and Composting Mandates for Yard Waste in Dedham

Dedham’s yard waste program is designed to maximize recycling and composting, in line with state and local mandates. All collected yard waste is transported to regional composting facilities, where it is processed into mulch and soil amendments. Residents are encouraged to participate in backyard composting, with educational resources available through the DPW and MassDEP Composting Guide. The town prohibits the disposal of yard waste in regular trash, and plastic bags are not accepted for composting. Seasonal leaf collection events are held in the fall, with designated drop-off sites and extended hours. Compost generated from municipal yard waste is often made available to residents in the spring.

• All yard waste is composted, not landfilled
• Backyard composting resources available
• Plastic bags strictly prohibited
• Fall leaf collection events: check DPW calendar
• Free compost pickup for residents (seasonal, while supplies last)

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Dedham, MA?

• Greenlodge: Predominantly single-family homes with large yards, requiring frequent yard waste collection during peak growing season. Wide streets allow easy access for collection vehicles.
• Oakdale: Mix of older homes and newer developments; mature trees generate significant leaf volume in autumn. Some narrow streets may require smaller trucks for pickup.
• Riverdale: Proximity to the Charles River means increased focus on stormwater management and debris control. Residents must ensure yard waste does not enter storm drains.
• East Dedham: Dense residential areas with limited curb space; residents should bundle branches and use compact containers to avoid blocking sidewalks.
• Manor: Multi-family complexes and senior housing; property managers coordinate bulk yard waste removal and must comply with DPW scheduling.
• Dedham Square: Commercial and mixed-use properties; landscaping contractors must obtain proper permits for large-scale yard waste disposal.
• Ashcroft: Suburban neighborhood with HOA oversight; advance notification and compliance with community guidelines required for yard waste placement.