Composting: Albany vs Colonie
How do composting rules compare between Albany, NY and Colonie, NY?
Albany, NY
Albany County
No data available yet for Albany.
Colonie, NY
Albany County
Backyard composting in the Town of Colonie is permitted and encouraged. The Town operates a curbside yard-waste collection program (April through November) via County Waste, picking up grass clippings, leaves, hedge and shrub trimmings, garden clippings, and branches up to 3 inches diameter and 4 feet long, tied in bundles or placed in biodegradable bags. The Town Yard Waste Composting Facility at 1319 Loudon Road has operated since 1987; finished compost is distributed free to Town residents at 4 Arrowhead Lane. NY 6 NYCRR Part 361-3 governs composting facilities; the Town's facility operates under DEC permit.
View full Colonie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albany | Colonie |
|---|---|---|
| Curbside Window | - | April - November (County Waste) |
| Brush Limits | - | Under 3 in diameter, under 4 ft length, bundled |
| Facility | - | Town Composting Facility, 1319 Loudon Rd (1987) |
| Free Compost Pickup | - | 4 Arrowhead Lane (Town ID required) |
| State Rule | - | 6 NYCRR Part 361-3 (composting facilities) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albany FAQ
No FAQs available.
Colonie FAQ
Can I compost in my Colonie, NY backyard?
Yes. The Town encourages backyard composting and does not require a permit for a residential compost bin. Best practice (Cornell Cooperative Extension and NYS DEC guidance) is to set the bin 5-10 feet from property lines, use a rodent-resistant design, and compost only plant-based scraps and yard waste - no meat, dairy, oils, or pet waste.
Does Colonie pick up grass clippings and leaves?
Yes. County Waste collects yard waste curbside from April through November on a fire-district rotation. Place materials in biodegradable paper bags or stickered rigid containers the night before pickup. Branches up to 3 inches diameter and 4 feet long must be tied in manageable bundles. Do not rake leaves into the street. Materials are processed at the Town Composting Facility on Loudon Road.
How do I get free compost in Colonie, NY?
Finished compost is distributed free of charge to Town residents only at the Landfill Residential Convenience Station, 4 Arrowhead Lane, during landfill operating hours Monday through Saturday (typically opening May 4 for the season). Bring photo ID showing a Town of Colonie address. The compost facility on Loudon Road has operated since 1987 under NYS DEC permitting.
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