Take our survey!
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Shepherdstown is preparing to launch a pilot program to collect food scraps and yard waste from up to 30 households. The goal is to turn everyday materials that normally go to the landfill into valuable resources that stay right here in our community.

Food scraps collected through the pilot will be composted at Shepherd University’s Tabler Farm, creating nutrient‑rich compost for local soil. Yard waste will be processed into mulch that can support gardens, landscaping, and community green spaces.

This pilot will help the Town test approaches and learn what collection and composting strategies will work best for our community.

Why Composting? Why Now?

Composting is one of the most effective ways for small towns to reduce waste and strengthen environmental resilience.

• Reduces landfill waste: Food and yard waste make up a large portion of what we throw away. Composting keeps these materials out of the landfill and reduces methane emissions.
• Improves local soils: Compost and mulch enrich gardens, landscapes, and farms—helping retain moisture, reduce erosion, and support healthier plants.
• Keeps resources local: Instead of paying to haul waste away, we can turn it into something useful right here in Shepherdstown.

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Residents, students, and local gardeners have increasingly asked for composting options that support sustainable living. With rising disposal costs, regional environmental goals, and strong community enthusiasm, this is the right moment for Shepherdstown to explore a composting service and it is one of the strategies of Shepherdstown’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan.

Interested in Participating? 

Take our survey

Your feedback will help shape the design of this service and guide the next steps. Interested households can participate in the pilot, which will include Town-supplied containers and food‑scrap and yard‑waste collection, as well as delivery to Tabler Farm.

You can also sign up by e-mailing Karl Musser at kmusser@shepherdstown.us or visiting Town Hall.