Compost Center Gearing Up for April 13 Opening

The will soon open for the 2012 season, and the and want residents to be aware of protocol for use of the facility.

New this year will be , which are being issued to residents at both Hellertown Borough Hall and Lower Saucon Town Hall.

The cards--which will eliminate the need for sign-ins at each visit--will also be available at the compost center gate, according to a public notice issued by the Borough of Hellertown last month.

Materials that will be accepted for drop-off at the center include bagged leaves (bags must be taken home); small brush (up to 4 inches in diameter and no longer than 6 feet); hedge trimmings; and Christmas trees free of tinsel and ornaments. Grass, sod, tree stumps and commercial business materials are not accepted at the center.

Since grass is not accepted, residents are advised to recycle their clippings by using a mulching mower or by cutting their grass frequently and leaving the grass on the lawn.

"This (practice) does not contribute to thatch and provides an excellent lawn fertilizer," the borough said in its public notice.

Residents are also advised not to leave materials outside the compost center gate if it is closed.

The Saucon Valley Compost Center will open for the season on Friday, April 13 and will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm through Saturday, Nov. 24 (except for Friday, Nov. 23).

Only Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township residents are permitted to drop off materials at the center, which is located at 2011 Springtown Hill Road in Lower Saucon Township.