For immediate release: May 28, 2024
Contact: Aaron Huotari
Public Works Director
Telephone: 207-992-4501
Email: aaron.huotari@bangormaine.gov
Compost, tree seedlings available to residents while supplies last
BANGOR, Maine – The Public Works Department this week is offering free compost and tree seedlings to residents of Bangor.
Compost and seedlings will be available for pickup on Friday, May 31, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 1, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The compost is available for residential use only, not for business or commercial purposes. The compost and seedlings will be at Public Works headquarters at 530 Maine Ave. People should use the back entrance to Public Works (the same location for when residents drop off holiday trash in January) and there will be signs directing motorists.
Residents must bring proof of residency such as a tax bill, sewer bill or current vehicle registration. Residents also must bring their own containers; shovels will be available for use. Public Works employees will not fill containers or load vehicles. Each resident may load up to a half yard of compost. Residents should be aware that a half yard of damp compost may weigh up to 1,000 lbs. and should plan to use a vehicle that can safely haul that weight.
Additionally, up to five tree seedlings will be available to each resident. These are Norway spruce, white pine and cedar seedlings. Some are bare-root stock and will require immediate care.
The compost was made from leaf and yard waste that is dropped off by residents and picked up roadside by Public Works. It has been tested for organic content and been subjected to a bioassay to test for residual herbicides. All testing indicated that the compost is a beneficial soil amendment and is safe for growing plants. The compost has received no additional testing. Due to waste contamination from material we use, the finished compost may contain a small amount of trash, such as wrappers and bottle caps. Residents have the option of inspecting the compost before taking any. A copy of the University of Maine composition testing and the bioassay results will be available for residents at pickup.
Trees and compost will be available to residents while supplies last. The pickup site will close when Public Works runs out of material. Residents who want to check before coming to Public Works can call customer service at 207-992-4500.
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The City of Bangor, Maine, is a service center community of 31,753 residents and is the county seat of Penobscot County. Bangor is the major commercial and cultural center for much of northern and eastern Maine. The City is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. For information on City projects and news, see www.bangormaine.gov.