Dennis Green Waste Disposal Services

Our Green Waste Disposal Process

Contact Dennis's Department of Public Works for Seasonal Green Waste Collection & Municipal Composting Programs

Dennis offers robust municipal green waste services to help residents manage yard debris responsibly and sustainably. Seasonal curbside collection typically runs from April-November, with weekly neighborhood schedules and peak season extensions for fall leaf drop. Residents should place green waste curbside in biodegradable paper bags or bundled with natural twine, ensuring materials are set out away from storm drains and utilities. The Transfer Station provides additional organic drop-off options, requiring a resident permit and adherence to volume limits and preparation guidelines—loose or paper-bagged only, with no plastic accepted per Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Specialized programs include brush pickup (4-foot lengths, 50-pound bundles), Christmas tree collection, and coordinated storm debris removal. Finished compost is available for community gardens and residents, with educational workshops supporting sustainable practices. For more information, contact:

Dennis Department of Public Works
120 Theophilus F. Smith Road, Dennis, MA 02638
Phone: (508) 760-6220
Website: https://www.town.dennis.ma.us/307/Public-Works

Understanding Green Waste Volume & Decomposition Dynamics in Dennis's Glacial Till & Sandy Outwash Soils

Dennis’s landscape is shaped by glacial till, sandy outwash, rocky shallow, and marine clay soils as detailed in the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils influence drainage and decomposition rates, with sandy outwash promoting faster breakdown and glacial till or marine clay slowing the process. The town’s tree canopy—dominated by oak, maple, birch, beech, and pine—produces significant seasonal green waste, especially during the sequential fall leaf drop. The local MA climate brings variable precipitation, freeze-thaw cycles, and Nor’easters, all of which affect both the timing and volume of green waste and the efficiency of decomposition. Densely vegetated neighborhoods and areas with poor drainage may experience rapid accumulation and slower organic matter breakdown, requiring diligent management to prevent environmental impacts.

Dennis's Implementation of Massachusetts Organic Waste Management Requirements for Residents

Dennis aligns its green waste programs with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulations, which prioritize landfill diversion and sustainable organics management. Residents, businesses, and landscaping contractors must comply with yard waste restrictions, ensuring that organic materials are separated from trash and disposed of through approved municipal or commercial channels. The town supports compliance through resident education, enforcement, and regional partnerships for composting infrastructure. MassDEP oversees facility permitting, diversion tracking, and provides technical assistance to ensure that Dennis meets state goals for organic waste reduction. Alternative disposal methods are required for prohibited materials, and enforcement measures help maintain high standards for environmental protection. For regulatory details, visit Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Proper Preparation & Sorting of Green Waste Materials for Dennis's Collection Programs

To participate in Dennis’s collection programs, residents must properly identify and prepare green waste. Acceptable materials include:

• Grass clippings (fresh or dried)
• Deciduous and evergreen leaves
• Garden debris (vegetable waste, flowers, pruned materials)
• Brush and branches (4-foot lengths, 50-pound bundles)
• Seasonal items (pumpkins, Christmas trees, holiday greenery)
• Hedge trimmings and weeds

Prohibited materials:

• Treated lumber, construction debris
• Diseased plants, invasive species (bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, multiflora rose, garlic mustard, buckthorn)
• Contaminated organics (paint, chemicals)
• Stumps, roots

Preparation steps:

• Separate from inorganic debris
• Remove plastic containers, wire, soil, and stones
• Bundle with natural twine or use biodegradable paper bags
• Manage moisture to prevent mold
• For storm debris, separate organic from construction materials and coordinate with emergency management

For questions about preparation or emergency collection, contact:

Dennis Department of Public Works
120 Theophilus F. Smith Road, Dennis, MA 02638
Phone: (508) 760-6220
Website: https://www.town.dennis.ma.us/307/Public-Works

Dennis Conservation Commission Guidelines for Green Waste Management Near Protected Areas

Green waste management near wetlands, rivers, and vernal pools is regulated under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40). Buffer zones of 25-50+ feet restrict organic material placement to prevent nutrient runoff and habitat disruption. In conservation areas, natural leaf retention is encouraged for erosion control and wildlife shelter, especially during nesting (March-August) and vernal pool (March-June) seasons. Invasive species must be disposed of separately to prevent spread, in coordination with municipal programs. Residents are urged to consult the Conservation Commission for site-specific guidance:

Dennis Conservation Commission
685 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660
Phone: (508) 760-6123
Website: https://www.town.dennis.ma.us/474/Conservation-Commission

Protecting Dennis's Water Quality Through Green Waste Management & MS4 Stormwater Compliance

Proper green waste management is essential for protecting Dennis’s water resources, including Massachusetts Bay, Cape Cod Bay, and local rivers and ponds. Preventing organic matter from entering storm drains reduces nitrogen and phosphorus loading, which can cause oxygen depletion and harmful algae blooms. Compliance with MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) requirements under the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act (M.G.L. c. 21) and MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards helps safeguard water quality. Municipal programs use finished compost for tree planting, park soil improvement, and green infrastructure, supporting climate action and sustainability. Residents should always stage green waste away from storm drains and follow all local guidelines to protect receiving waters.

On-Site Green Waste Management: Composting, Mulching & Sustainable Practices in Dennis

Residents are encouraged to manage green waste on-site through composting, mulching, and sustainable landscaping. Local ordinances require compost bins to be set back 10-20 feet from property lines and 50-100 feet from wells or water supplies. Compost piles should be sized and managed to prevent odors, pests, and runoff, with attention to carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, moisture, and temperature—especially given Dennis’s variable precipitation and seasonal extremes. Prohibited compost materials include meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants, invasive species, and chemically treated items. Sustainable alternatives such as mulch-mowing, brush chipping, and rain garden integration are also recommended. For composting guidance, consult UMass Extension.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Dennis, MA?

Dennis’s green waste programs serve a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with unique landscape and environmental characteristics. In East Dennis and Dennis Village, mature oak and maple canopies generate high seasonal volumes, while South Dennis and West Dennis feature a mix of single-family homes and multi-family properties with shared green waste responsibilities. Dennis Port’s historic districts have mature trees and limited on-site composting options, requiring careful curbside placement. Newer developments in North Dennis have younger landscapes and more lawn maintenance, while areas near conservation land or floodplains—such as along Swan Pond River—must follow stricter guidelines for buffer zones and stormwater protection. All neighborhoods are supported by municipal collection, with adjustments for street width, parking, and utility access.

Dennis Municipal Ordinances for Green Waste Equipment Operation & Commercial Services

Dennis regulates green waste equipment operation and commercial services to ensure community safety and environmental compliance. Collection and disposal activities are permitted during 7:00 AM-7:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM-6:00 PM on Saturdays, with Sunday restrictions or prohibitions per local bylaws. Commercial haulers must be licensed and registered with the Town Clerk, and all operators must follow right-of-way and disposal regulations. Holiday schedules often follow Sunday rules, so residents and contractors should verify with the town before scheduling large-scale cleanups. For ordinance details and commercial requirements, contact:

Dennis Building Department
685 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660
Phone: (508) 760-6159
Website: https://www.town.dennis.ma.us/171/Building-Department

By following these guidelines and participating in Dennis’s green waste programs, residents help protect local ecosystems, support sustainable community practices, and ensure compliance with state and municipal environmental standards.