Compost Park

Welcome to Compost Park, a cashless facility. The Compost Park is Manheim Township's central composting facility, open to Manheim Township and East Lampeter Township residents only. Residents must obtain a Compost Access Card at their respective municipal office in order to access the facility. The Compost Park accepts garden residues, shrubbery and tree pruning, sod, leaves and grass. Leaf compost is available for use in yard landscapes and gardens. Please see below for seasonal hours and all information regarding the Manheim Township Compost Park. 

Free leaf and Christmas Tree drop-off for residents through January 31 with Compost Access Card. Leaves can be dropped off in paper bags or loose. All other bags must be emptied and taken with you. 

WINTER COMPOST PARK HOURS:

January 2 through February 28 - Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 11 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Compost Park is closed on the following holidays: Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day

2025 Material Removed from Compost Park

MaterialTonnage
Leaf compost taken by residents424
Leaf compost used in our parks32
Leaf compost used at the golf course163
Leaf compost donated to environmental organizations7
Yard Waste Ground2,300


Attendant & Gated System

Manheim Township Compost Park has attendants on duty for residents to dispose of material.  The park is limited to Manheim and East Lampeter Township residents only.  You must stop at the attendant and show your card when picking up free compost or mulch.

Manheim Township Residents must obtain a Compost Access Card from the Municipal Office at 1840 Municipal Drive in order to enter the Park. You will need to provide your driver's license showing you are a Township resident. Both the older green access cards and the new white cards get you access to the park. You do not need to get a new card.

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. 

Hours: (weather dependent):

January 2 through February 28 - Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 11 A.M. - 5 P.M.

March 1 to March 31 - Monday - Sunday - 11 A.M. - 5 P.M.

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

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.

Fee Schedule (New fees starting 2026):
Please reference the service and pricing guidelines below to assist you with your visit to our Compost Park:


One Bag Only:

          Rate - $2.25

Passenger Car\SUV\Station Wagon:

          Rate - $4.25

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

         Rate - $12.50

Passenger Car Trailer Combination:

          Rate - $15.50

Pickup Truck Trailer Combination:

            Rate - $26.00

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

          Any and all loads - $21.00 per vehicle per load

Yard waste materials accepted at the site:

  • Garden residues, shrubbery and tree pruning's, sod, leaves and grass

Materials available:

  1. Leaf compost is available for free while supplies last. 

Christmas Trees:

Free Christmas tree drop off at Compost Park with Resident Access Card until January 31 each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the funds I currently have on my old green 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?
The fees were last updated in 2023 and will increase at the beginning of 2026 to what you see posted above.

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 on the old green cards, 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. 

Is there someone at Compost Park to help me load compost? 
No, the free compost is self-service.