Norfolk Yard Waste Removal Services

Coordinating Yard Waste Removal with Norfolk’s Department of Public Works: Schedules, Fees, and Drop-Off Procedures

Yard waste management in Norfolk, MA is overseen by the Department of Public Works, which provides residents with structured options for compliant disposal. Curbside yard waste collection is typically offered from April through November, with pickups scheduled biweekly on regular trash days. Residents must use biodegradable paper bags or clearly marked barrels (no plastic bags permitted) and place materials curbside by 7:00 AM. Acceptable items include grass clippings, leaves, and small branches (bundled, no longer than 3 feet, and under 3 inches in diameter). The Norfolk Transfer Station, located at 33 Medway Branch Road, accepts yard waste during posted hours; a valid resident sticker is required, and fees may apply for large loads. Prohibited items include dirt, rocks, and stumps. For up-to-date schedules and fee information, consult the Norfolk Department of Public Works.

Department of Public Works
9 Liberty Lane, Norfolk, MA 02056
Phone: (508) 528-5020
Official Website: Department of Public Works

Understanding Massachusetts Yard Waste Landfill Bans and Recycling Mandates

Massachusetts enforces strict landfill bans on yard waste, requiring all municipalities, including Norfolk, to divert organic materials from disposal sites. Under the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulations, leaves, grass clippings, and brush are prohibited from landfill disposal and must be composted or processed at approved facilities. Residents are encouraged to participate in local composting programs or utilize the town’s transfer station for proper recycling. Key requirements include:

• No plastic bags: Only paper bags or open barrels are accepted for yard waste collection
• Brush size limits: Branches must be under 3 inches in diameter and bundled
• Composting encouraged: Home composting reduces municipal waste volume
• Transfer station use: Large loads must be self-hauled to the Norfolk Transfer Station
• Landfill ban enforcement: Violations may result in fines or refusal of collection

For more information on state regulations, visit the Massachusetts Solid Waste Management Program.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5500
Official Website: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Norfolk Yard Waste Transfer Station Access: Permits, Hours, and Accepted Materials

The Norfolk Transfer Station serves as the primary drop-off location for yard waste that exceeds curbside collection limits. Access requires a valid resident sticker, which can be obtained from the Town Clerk’s office for an annual fee (typically $25-$40). The facility operates Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and accepts:

• Leaves, grass clippings, and brush (under 3 inches in diameter)
• Bundled branches (no longer than 3 feet)
• Christmas trees (seasonal, free drop-off in January)
• No dirt, rocks, or stumps
• No commercial loads without prior approval

Residents must present proof of residency and follow all posted signage for material separation. For questions about access or accepted materials, contact the Department of Public Works.

Department of Public Works
9 Liberty Lane, Norfolk, MA 02056
Phone: (508) 528-5020
Official Website: Department of Public Works

Prohibited Yard Waste Materials and Code Enforcement in Norfolk, MA

Norfolk enforces local and state regulations regarding prohibited yard waste materials to ensure environmental compliance and public safety. The following items are not accepted in curbside or transfer station yard waste programs:

• Plastic bags, flower pots, and garden hoses
• Dirt, soil, rocks, and stumps
• Treated or painted wood
• Household trash or recyclables
• Large branches (over 3 inches in diameter)

Improper disposal may result in code enforcement actions, including fines or mandatory removal at the property owner’s expense. Residents are encouraged to review the Norfolk Code of Bylaws for detailed requirements and to contact the Department of Public Works for clarification on acceptable materials.

Department of Code Enforcement
One Liberty Lane, Norfolk, MA 02056
Phone: (508) 528-5020
Official Website: Department of Code Enforcement

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Norfolk, MA?

• Town Center: Features a mix of historic homes and newer developments. Narrow streets and mature tree canopies may require smaller collection vehicles and careful placement of yard waste for curbside pickup.
• Pondville: Predominantly single-family residences with large yards. High seasonal yard waste volumes are common, and driveway access is generally sufficient for self-hauling to the transfer station.
• Medway Branch: Suburban neighborhood with cul-de-sacs and wide driveways. Residents benefit from easy access to the transfer station and ample space for staging yard waste.
• Highland Lake: Lakeside properties with private roads and limited street width. Residents may need to coordinate with the Department of Public Works for special collection arrangements.
• Valley Street Area: Older homes with established landscaping. Sidewalks and on-street parking can restrict curbside placement, requiring early preparation for collection days.
• Clapboardtree: Newer subdivisions with HOA guidelines. Yard waste must be prepared according to both town and association rules, and advance notice may be required for large pickups.
• Campbell Street Corridor: Mix of residential and small commercial properties. Proximity to main roads allows for efficient transfer station access, but traffic may impact collection timing.