BOC Icon Composting

Composting is when food and plants break down naturally to make nutrient-rich soil. It helps reduce pollution, make soil healthier, prevents soil erosion, conserves water and helps plants grow better.
There are two easy ways you can compost here in Haverford Township – backyard composting or composting through a service.
Backyard composting allows you to directly benefit from the nutrient-rich soil created from the process, strengthening your garden, grass, and trees. If you are interested in composting, Haverford Township, thanks to a USDA CFWR grant, subsidizes a select number of compost bins yearly. Haverford Township residents are eligible to purchase a $30 bin after attending an EAC / Parks and Recreation compost workshop. To register for this free virtural workshop, visit Backyard Composting Workshop* or reach out to 610-446-9397.
If composting at home isn’t for you, consider local options for curbside pickup or search for a local drop off.
A new incentive, thanks to a USDA CFWR grant, allows Haverford residents to enjoy 4 (four) months of free curbside composting service. Here are some details:

  • You must be a new composting customer in Haverford Township
  • Only one incentive is available per household
  • Limited to 200 new customers
  • Contact Mother Compost, EZ Composting, or your preferred composting company** to get started

    • Any further questions can be directed to Alexis De Santi @ adesanti@havtwp.org.

    *Workshops are held throughout the year. If no workshop is listed, reach out to to the number provided to find out when the next workshop will be scheduled.
    **Participating companies must first register with the Township

    BOC Icon Brush

    Brush collection occurs on Mondays. Haverford Township’s brush is composted into usable mulch, so your contributions are giving back.

    BOC Icon A few big things to note before your brush will be collected:

  • Branches and brush must not be more than one-and-a-half inches in diameter and must be less than 3 feet long
  • All brush must be in trash cans that can be easily lifted (less than 40lbs)
  • Plastic bags CANNOT be used and WILL NOT be collected
  • Brush must be at your collection point by 6:30 AM


    • Brush Collection Accecptable & Unacceptable Materials

    CAN : CANNOT :
    - untreated sticks - litter, trash, garbage
    - branches - bamboo
    - brush - dirt, soil
    - wood chips - leaves
    - grass clippings
    - kitty litter or pet manure
    - bags, not even biodegradable bags
    - twine
    BOC Icon Leaves

    Each year, Haverford Township provides residents with a convenient leaf collection program to help ensure streets remain clean and well-maintained throughout the autumn season. Running for a span of 8 weeks from November to December, this annual service ensures that residents have a convenient way to dispose of their fallen leaves.
    One unique aspect of Haverford Township's leaf collection program is that the same trucks used for picking up leaves are also employed for winter snow plowing. This dual-purpose approach maximizes efficiency and ensures that the Township's resources are utilized effectively.
    During the 8-week leaf collection period, crews will make two passes through each of the Township's 9 wards. This ensures that all residents have ample opportunity to have their leaves collected, no matter where they are located within the Township.
    Also consider embracing the beauty of your yard by leaving the leaves alone! By doing so, you'll be reducing your carbon footprint and minimizing air pollution from gas-powered machinery. Leaves also help by being a natural blanket for the soil. They stop weeds from growing, add food for the soil, and make it a nice home for tiny living things that help the soil be healthy.
    Leaves also become a vital habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. These creatures rely on leaf litter for food, shelter, and nesting material. By leaving your leaves, you'll be supporting the local ecosystem and contributing to a thriving environment.
    Here are some tips for enjoying your leafy landscape:

  • Keep your leaves where they are by using a rake to gently move them into garden beds, piles, or along the edges of your property. Try to do this before the first frost to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife.
  • If you have an abundance of leaves, consider using a mulching mower to chop them up. This will help preserve some habitat for wildlife while still keeping your yard tidy.
  • Leaves are a fantastic addition to your compost pile, providing valuable nutrients for your garden in the long run.

    • By embracing the beauty of your natural yard this fall, you'll be supporting the environment and creating a haven for local wildlife.


    Do's and Don'ts of Leaf Collection

  • Please DO NOT bag leaves

    • Bagged leaves will not be collected during curbside leaf collection. Bagged leaves will be collected with trash, increasing our costs & your taxes!


  • Please DO...

    • have leaves out and ready by 6:30 a.m. on the Monday of the designated week listed for your area.


  • Please DO NOT...

    • put leaves in the roadway as this will make the roads slippery, clog the storm sewers and create dangerous conditions.


  • Please DO...

    • refer to the Township's calendar for any updates to the leaf schedule. Collection pickup dates may be subject to change based on weather conditions and the volume of leaves to be collected.