Department of Solid Waste Management

Healthy soil. Healthier gardens. Less waste. Ocean County recycles leaves and yard debris into nutrient-rich compost and mulch, available free of charge to residents and municipalities. By using these materials in your yard or garden, you help return nutrients to the soil and keep valuable organic material out of the waste stream. Available to Ocean County homeowners and municipalities.

Pickup Information

Materials are available at the following locations:
Northern Recycling Center 535 South Oberlin Avenue
Southern Recycling Center Located at 379 Haywood Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Single Axe vehicles ONLY.

Some municipal Public Works departments may also offer these materials locally.

Landscapers must enter through the main entrance and use the scale.

If you are interested in materials for a community garden project, please callto arrange a delivery. Northern Recycling Center: (732) 367-0802 Southern Recycling Center: (609) 978-0913

B.Y.O. Bucket

Just need a little?
Bring your own container and tools (shovel or pitchfork) and take home a smaller amount for container gardens or small beds.

Tested for Quality

Our compost is tested to ensure it is safe and beneficial for gardens.

How Much Do You Need?

40 lbs compost = approximately 0.75 cubic feet

1 cubic foot covers about 12 square feet at 1 inch depth

Finished Leaf Compost

Feed your soil naturally.
Finished compost adds organic matter, improves soil structure, and helps plants grow stronger roots. It restores nutrients faster than mulch and is especially useful during spring planting.

Easy Ways to Use Compost

Planting Trees & Shrubs

Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball,Mix the soil you removed with compost. Fill the hole with the mixture to give roots a nutrient boost.

Strengthen Existing Plants

In spring or fall, spread up to 3 inches of compost around trees and shrubs. Keep compost a few inches away from trunks and stems.

Indoor Containers & Window Boxes

Mix a 1-inch layer of compost into potting soil before planting. Refresh older containers by topping them with compost.

Lawn Care

New lawns: Mix up to 3 inches of compost into soil before seeding.

Bare spots: Work 1 inch of compost into soil and reseed.

Healthy lawns: Lightly top-dress with ½ inch of screened compost.

Adding compost improves soil health, reduces the need for fertilizers, and supports healthier landscapes.

Single Ground Mulch

Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Best Uses: Walkways, Garden beds, and Around trees and shrubs.

How to Apply

Spread 2–4 inches deep.

Keep mulch at least 5 inches away from trunks and stems.

Tip: Too much mulch can rob plants of nitrogen. A moderate layer works best.

Double Ground Mulch

Finer texture for decorative garden beds.
Double-ground mulch provides the same benefits as standard mulch but with a smoother, finer appearance, making it ideal for landscaped beds.
Using compost regularly improves soil over time, meaning healthier plants with less maintenance.

Did you know? Using compost and mulch made from recycled leaves helps close the loop — turning yard waste into a resource that builds healthier soil across Ocean County.