Compost Sites

Manitowoc County Recycling Center oversees two compost sites to serve residents, the Basswood Compost Site and the Woodland Compost Site.  Both sites are open for drop-off of acceptable items during the listed hours.  A variety of services are provided between the two sites including yard waste drop-off, sifted compost, unsifted compost, woodchips, loading* and deliveries.

Yard Waste Drop-Off

Both the Basswood and Woodland Compost Sites are yard waste drop off sites for residents of Manitowoc County.  There is no charge for this service.  When entering the compost sites drive slowly, obey traffic signs and the compost site attendant.  Be sure to only bring acceptable items.  Call ahead if you have questions about a particular item.

Sifted Compost

This compost is available for a small fee at the Basswood Compost Site.  Sifted compost has been run through a screen to remove large clumps and debris.  Most people purchase compost to make new garden beds, condition the soil in old garden beds, add to potted plant mix, to seed lawns or as cover for filled areas.  There are a number of benefits to using sifted compost including:

• it contains more nutrients than topsoil
• it releases nutrients slowly as organic material breaks down
• it helps sandy soil retain moisture
• it helps loosen and break up clay soils
• it contains few weed seeds as these are typically destroyed during the composting process

It must be purchased at the Recycling Center Main Office during normal operating hours prior to loading.  An endloader may be available to load open trucks and trailers if you ask where you pay. 

Unsifted Compost

This compost is available for free from both Basswood and Woodland Compost sites.  Unsifted compost has all the qualities of our sifted compost only it has not been screened and contains large clumps and debris.  Most people use unsifted compost as fill for ditches or low areas, especially where there will be another groundcover and plantings.  An endloader may be available at the Basswood site to load open trucks and trailers.  Ask at the Recycling Center Main Office during posted hours.  Loading is not available at the Woodland Compost Site or on Saturdays. 

Woodchips

Woodchips are available for a small fee at the Basswood Compost Site.  Most people purchase woodchips for a groundcover around trees, shrubs, landscaped areas, and playgrounds. Some people use our woodchips as a filler in these projects and then cover them with more expensive colored woodchips.  Using a mulch like our woodchips can be benificial in a number of ways.

• it helps retain moisture in the soil.
• it helps provide nutrients and organic matter as they deteriorate over time.
• it can provide some protection from freezing
• it deters the growth of weeds
• it provides a border that helps simplify lawn care
• it can help slow soil erosion

Woodchips must be purchased at the Recycling Center Main Office during normal operating hours prior to loading.  An endloader may be available to load open trucks and trailers if you ask where you pay. 

Loading

Loading is generally available though this service depends on the operating condition of the equipment and the availability of a qualified operator on staff.  Loading is not available at the Woodland Drive Compost Site or on Saturdays at the Basswood Road Compost Site.  Loading is limited to open bed trucks and trailers, dump trucks and open semi trailers.  Large loads are encouraged to call ahead to schedule a time.

Deliveries

Deliveries of woodchips, sifted and unsifted compost are available.  There is a delivery charge for each load.  Deliveries can be scheduled by phone or in person at the main office and are typically 2 to 3 days out.  Be prepared to provide directions and specific instructions on where to dump material.  Make sure the area is well marked and free from obstructions like shrubs, buildings, and power lines.

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