MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Compost Site at the Muscatine Transfer Station accumulated several mounds of tree, branch, and yard waste since last fall with that waste has now been grinded down to useful compost. This material is perfect for residents of the City of Muscatine to use in their landscaping projects and it is available for free.
“We had an enormous amount of debris dropped off at the Compost Site in the last nine months and has made for large piles of mulch,” David Popp, Solid Waste Manager for the City of Muscatine, said. “The mulch has been grinded twice to make it perfect for individuals to use on their landscapes.”
At this time, the mulch is available for pickup only. The City is in the early stages of investigating the possibility of adding a staff member to deliver mulch but that service is not available at the present time.
The Compost Site is located at the Muscatine Transfer Station, 1000 S. Houser St., and is open 12-6 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays. Transfer Station staff is available Tuesday through Saturday to load compost and mulch but residents are asked to call in advance at (563) 263-9689.
Residents can take yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, plants) from their property to the Compost Site along with brush and branches less than 10 inches in diameter and 10 feet in length, Larger trees and logs can also be taken to the Compost Site but tree stumps or roots are not accepted.
Commercial tree and yard waste management services must weigh and pay at the Transfer Station during regular business hours before depositing waste at the compost site. Transfer Station hours are 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday. The last load on the scales is 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11:45 a.m. on Saturday.
Firewood is also available for the cutting at the Compost Site but residents must sign a waiver at the Transfer Station office prior to cutting and hauling away firewood.
Popp reminds residents wanting to bring material to the compost site that all loads need to be secured during transportation to or from the compost site as loose material may fall onto city streets causing traffic hazards or damage to vehicles.