Compost Park

The Compost Park is Manheim Township’s central composting facility, open to Manheim Township and East Lampeter Township residents only. The composting park accepts garden residues, shrubbery and tree pruning, sod, leaves and grass for composting. Wood mulch and leaf compost are available for use in yard landscapes and gardens.

Free leaf drop off at Compost Park starts Monday, October 16, 2023. Residents dropping off leaves prior to October 16 or after December 31, will incur the usual fees for yard waste disposal.

Fall Leaf Pickup Program

  1. Township residents receive free curbside leaf pickup from October to December. Residents are encouraged to place their leaves at curbside or along their property in coordination with the Township leaf pickup schedule. Please have leaves ready for pickup a few days prior to the date listed on schedule. Schedule may fluctuate a few days either way due to weather.
  2. Township residents may drop off leaves at the Compost Park for free during the Fall Leaf Pickup Program.

NOTICE - The Township does not sell or provide free recyclable bags for leaves or general yard waste use. Please see your local garden center or similar retail outlets for these items. Only Township residents living on State highways will be supplied recyclable bags for leaves. Address verification is required.

New Attendant & Gated System - Monday, April 24. 2023

Starting Monday, April 24, 2023, the Manheim Township Compost Park will have attendants on duty for residents to dispose of material.  The park is limited to Manheim and East Lampeter Township residents only. 

Manheim Township Residents must obtain an Access Card from the Municipal Office at 1840 Municipal Drive in order to enter the Park. 

East Lampeter Township Residents must obtain an Access Card from their Municipal Office at 2250 Old Philadelphia Pike in order to enter the Park.

 If you already have a green access card you do not need to obtain a new card. 

New Process When Accessing Compost Park

Upon entering the Compost Park to dispose of yard waste:

  1. Proceed to the park attendant on duty.
  2. Show the attendant your Manheim or East Lampeter Township Access Card for proof of residency.
  3. Inform the attendant of what you are dropping at the park and confirm the type of vehicle for payment.  
  4. Provide a credit card/debit card to the attendant for payment.
  5. The attendant will run your payment through our new hand-held payment system.
  6. You will proceed through the gate to the appropriate area to dispose of your yard waste.

Upon entering the Compost Park for mulch or compost:

  1. Proceed to the park attendant on duty.
  2. Show the attendant your Manheim Township Access Card for proof of residency.
  3. Inform the attendant you are picking up compost or mulch.
  4. Attendant will direct you to the appropriate area to load your compost and/or mulch.

Frequently Asked Questions


Can I use the funds I currently have on my Manheim Township Access Card?
 Yes, you will be able to use those funds until your card is empty. 

Can I use cash at the Compost Park?
No, the only payment accepted will be via a credit or debit card.

Did the fees for the Compost Park change?
Yes, the new fees for 2023 were approved during the Commissioners meeting on February 13, 2023.

Will I be able to still load funds via cash on my Manheim Township Access Card at the Municipal Office?
No. Once you exhaust your Access Card balance a credit or debit card will be needed to enter the Park.

Will I need a new Compost Park Access Card?
No. Your green Access Card will serve as your proof of residency to the attendant.

What if I lost my old Manheim Township Access Card?  
You can obtain a new card at the Municipal Office located at 1840 Municipal Drive. There is a $5.00 charge for a replacement card.

Is there someone at Compost Park to help me load compost and/or mulch? 
No, the free compost and mulch are self-service. 

Hours: (weather dependent):

January 2 through March 31 - TBD 

April 1 through September 30 
7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. (Monday – Saturday)
11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Sunday)

October 1 through November 7
8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Monday – Saturday)
11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Sunday)

November 8 through December 31
8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Monday – Saturday)
11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Sunday)

Please reference the service and pricing guidelines below to assist you with your visit to our Compost Park:

Yard waste materials accepted at the site:

  • Garden residues, shrubbery and tree prunings, sod, leaves and grass

Materials available:

  1. Wood mulch is available for free while supplies last.  
  2. Leaf compost is available for free while supplies last. 

Fee Schedule:

One Bag Only:

          Rate - $2.00

Passenger Car\SUV\Station Wagon:

          Rate - $4.00

Passenger Car Trailer Combination:

          Rate - $15.00

Pickup Truck (less than 1-ton) or Trailer (maximum length of 12 feet): 

         Rate - $12.00

Pickup Truck Trailer Combination:

            Rate - $25.00

Dump Truck/Box Truck/1-ton Pickups with Sideboards:

          Any and all loads - $20.00 per vehicle per load

Holiday Trees:

Holiday trees are accepted at the Compost Park free of charge until January 31 each year.