Vegetative Waste Recycling
Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding compost and mulch orders from the MCMUA's Shade Tree Division

Q. Who may order a delivery?
A. Residential deliveries are available to Morris County residents only and are made to homes or businesses located in Morris County.

Q. What is screened compost?
A. Screened compost consists of leaves that break down (decompose) over a period of months. Grass clippings may be added to some compost to enhance decomposition. After fall leaves come into our recycling facilities, they are turned weekly and break down by May/June into a black, crumbly soil amendment known as compost. The material is then screened in a large screener and bulky materials including large sticks, twigs, etc. are removed and a finer, finished compost is produced.

Q. What are the benefits of compost?
A. Compost helps plants grow better, improves soil structure, helps the soil retain water, helps release plant nutrients and adds vital organic matter to the soil.

Q. What is double-ground wood mulch?
A. Double-ground wood mulch consists of tree parts, branches, brush and wood chips. The brush is ground up and then the wood chips are added and it is ground again resulting in a finely ground mulch. 

Q. What are the benefits of wood mulch?
A. Wood mulch is used around trees, shrubs, landscape plants and flower beds to help reduce weeds, conserve moisture and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape. Gradually wood mulch breaks down slowly and adds organic matter to the soil. Generally, a mulch layer of 2-4 inches will reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and make for an attractive appearance around shrubs and trees. When mulching around trees, remember to keep mulch approximately six inches from the tree trunk.

Q. Can you guarantee a specific delivery time?
A. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee any specific delivery time. Our drivers arrange their own delivery schedules, and many variables affect the day's deliveries, including traffic, weather, and the locations of that day's deliveries. We may indicate if someone prefers an A.M. or P.M. delivery but we cannot guarantee morning or afternoon delivery.

Q. How can I order wood mulch or screened compost?
A. Phone 973-285-8389 or 973-285-2928 and your order will be taken and a confirmation number provided. Orders will be accepted beginning March 19, 2008 and through September. Deliveries are for MORRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS only. Deliveries begin April 14, 2008 and continue through September.

Q. When are deliveries made?
A. Deliveries begin Monday, April 14, 2008 and continue daily through Friday, September 26, 2008. Deliveries occur from approx. 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. No deliveries will be made on Memorial Day, Monday May 26, Independence Day, Friday, July 4, and Labor Day, Monday September 1.

Q. How will I be billed?
A. You will be billed through the mail by the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority within a week or less after your order is delivered.

Q. Will I be notified/reminded the day before my delivery?
A. Generally, the drivers may call you the night before a delivery is scheduled. However, please mark your calendar and note the delivery date in a couple places so you do not forget to put out a tarp or sign to indicate the dumping area. One major reason deliveries are not made on a scheduled day is because the driver cannot determine where to dump the load or does not have proper access to a driveway or dumping location.

Q. How do I cancel my order?
A. We ask you to please call 48 hours in advance to cancel your order. This allows us time to reschedule the delivery and not cause unnecessary delays. We keep track of all cancellations so please call in advance if you no longer need an order. If you do not cancel an order and a driver shows at your residence, you will be billed for the material.

Q. Can I leave a message regarding my order after hours?
A. No, if you need to change or cancel and order you must call the MCMUA and speak to a representative directly.  We cannot accept responsibility for any messages left on the MCMUA's voice mail system.  Thank you for your cooperation on this matter,

Q. Is the compost tested?
A. Composite samples are taken from representative windrows at our two facilities in the spring and tested for specific parameters specified by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The test results are submitted to the state DEP. Upon request, this information is made available to the public.

Q. Where are the MCMUA vegetative waste recycling facilities located?
A. Our Parsippany facility is behind the Morris County Firefighter and Police Academy at 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany. Our Mount Olive facility is off of Waterloo Valley Road in the International Trade Zone in Mount Olive.

Q. Are Morris County residents permitted to dump at these facilities?
A. Both facilities are NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC for disposal of leaves, grass, brush, or wood chips. Only municipalities with valid MCMUA contracts or pre-registered commercial contractors holding commercial liability insurance can dump vegetative waste at these facilities. Please DO NOT enter these facilities. Heavy equipment operates daily and objects that enter a grinder, screener or compost windrow turner can be ejected with tremendous force over long distances. If you have a question, comment, or concern, call 973-631-5109.  PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THESE FACILITIES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Q. What if I have a complaint, concern or need to talk to someone about my delivery?                                                      
A. Please call 973-631-5109.