Conservation Center

The Town of Westfield has operated the Westfield Conservation Center for over thirty years. The Center is classified by the State of New Jersey as a transfer facility for organic waste and recyclable materials. As such, the Center serves as a staging area until the materials can be transported to a subsequent facility for proper disposal or disposition. Residents may dispose of "biodegradable organic waste material of plant origin produced on Westfield premises" at the Conservation Center. For those residents who chose to use the Center for such a purpose, the Town charges an annual flat fee of $60 to offset its costs.

For curbside recycling information, please visit the Curbside Recycling section. Seasonal leaf collection information can be found in the Public Works section.

Conservation Center Seasonal Permit

Seasonal permit required for the following services:

• Organic waste disposal: Grass, twigs, shrubs, and small logs
• Annual permits will be sold online only, beginning March 13, for $60 (Westfield residents). No permits will be sold at the Center.

Fee-Based Services (No Seasonal Permit Required)

• Household bulk waste - $40 fee per carload for Westfield residents; $60 per carload for Scotch Plains residents
• Mattresses - $35 fee per item 
• Single-use permits for bulk waste can be purchased online.

In addition, free firewood and mulch (as available) may be picked up by any resident using the Center.

Free Recycling Drop Off (No Permit Required)

All residents can recycle the following, free of charge and without a permit:

• #5 Plastics: Clean #5 plastics (polypropylene), including bottle caps, as well as containers for yogurt, cream cheese, and other dairy products. 
• Books (hardcover, paperback, or textbooks in good, readable condition) 
• Cardboard (must be dry)
• Christmas trees (January through March only)
• Clothing/shoes
• Curbside recycling items
• Food waste: Food waste can be delivered to the bin in any type of packaging, excluding glass containers and black plastic bags. The food waste will be turned into biofuel to help power the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority. All types of food waste are acceptable, including dairy, fruits, grains, meats, seafood (except shells), and vegetables. This program was launched in partnership with Waste Management, a leader in converting food waste into a bio-fuel that creates green energy.
• Fluorescent light bulbs (straight tubes only) 
• Household alkaline batteries
• Household electronics
• Ink/toner cartridges (new program)
• Leaves (free during the fall leaf season)
• Plastic bags/film (includes bubble wrap, case overwraps, dry cleaning film, newspaper sleeves, plastic bags, produce bags, resealable bags)
• Pumpkins (through November 28)
• Styrofoam (includes white clean foam, furniture/appliance packaging foam, and block form foam; note that egg cartons, food service foam, peanuts, or dark-colored foam are not accepted)
• Scrap metal
• String lights
• Tennis balls 
• Toys (gently-used plastic toys in good condition, clean, no missing parts, small pieces attached; complete board games and puzzles accepted; no plush toys/stuffed animals, car/booster seats, strollers, or baby baths)
• Wine corks

Additional Conservation Opportunities in the Area

• Retrievr (formerly Curb My Clutter): This program will pick up clothing and electronics from your doorstep. 
• Energy Audits: The Westfield Home Energy Savings Program, run by Ciel Power, LLC, can help residents identify ways to reduce their home energy use and save money on their energy bills through a low-cost energy audit program offered at $49.
• Hazardous Waste: Dispose of safely during Union County Collection Events. 

Information for Landscape Contractors

Landscape and lawn service contractors that provide service to Westfield residents may choose to register with the Town of Westfield in order to obtain a permit(s) that allows entrance to the Westfield Conservation Center to:

• Purchase wood chips and mulch at a cost of $15 per cubic yard, subject to availability.
• Purchase logs and firewood at a cost of $125 per cord or $75 per half cord, subject to availability.

Registration

Landscape contractors choosing to register must do so in person at the Department of Public Works' office, 959 N Avenue W, between the hours of 9:00AM and 3:00PM and present a client list as proof of service to Westfield residents. All payments must be made at the time of purchase or at the time of disposal, whichever applies, and must be made by check or money order payable to the "Town of Westfield" in the exact amount due. Purchase of materials and disposal of leaves is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Permits

Landscaper and lawn service contractors who decide to register with the Town of Westfield and obtain a permit may only use the Center for purchasing wood chips, logs and firewood and to dispose of residents' leaves. It does not permit landscapers and lawn service contractors to deposit grass clippings or other organic debris at the Center. 

This optional registration for landscapers to utilize the Conservation Center has been in place since 2017, and is separate from the registration to conduct landscaping and tree removal business in Town addressed in General Ordinance No. 2212 (adopted April 6, 2021). As noted in the ordinance, those businesses that are registered to utilize the Conservation Center for leaf deposits and mulch/firewood purchases will have the $50 fee from the new ordinance waived.

Additional information

• Landscapers and lawn service contractors are encouraged to contact the Department of Public Works 908-789-4100) for more information.
• Tour of the Westfield Conservation Center on Lamberts Mill Road and the various recycling programs available to residents.

Tour

Tour of the Westfield Conservation Center on Lamberts Mill Road and the various recycling programs available to residents.