Old Lyme Green Waste Disposal Services

Our Green Waste Disposal Process

Old Lyme’s Weekly Green Waste Collection Procedures and Accepted Materials

Green waste disposal in Old Lyme is managed through a municipal curbside collection program operating every Thursday from April through November. Residents must use biodegradable paper bags or rigid, reusable containers (32-gallon maximum) for leaves, grass clippings, and brush under 4 feet in length. Plastic bags and branches over 4 inches in diameter are strictly prohibited. Collection begins at 7:00 AM, and materials should be placed curbside no earlier than 24 hours prior. For large volumes or oversized debris, residents may schedule a special pickup through the Department of Public Works.

• Weekly pickup: Thursday, April–November
• Accepted: Leaves, grass, brush <4 ft
• Containers: Paper bags or 32-gallon bins
• Prohibited: Plastic bags, branches >4 in diameter

Old Lyme Department of Public Works
52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371
Phone: (860) 434-4959
Official Website: Old Lyme Department of Public Works

Managing Green Waste Near Old Lyme’s Wetlands and Coastal Buffer Zones

Properties adjacent to Old Lyme’s extensive wetlands, tidal marshes, and the Connecticut River must comply with strict buffer requirements for green waste disposal. The town enforces a 25-foot no-disturbance buffer from delineated wetlands and a 50-foot setback from the high tide line along coastal areas. No yard waste, clippings, or brush may be deposited within these zones to protect water quality and sensitive habitats. The Connecticut Environmental Protection Act and the town’s MS4 stormwater permit prohibit dumping debris in or near storm drains, streams, or conservation lands. Violations may result in fines or enforcement action. For guidance on buffer delineation and compliance, consult the Conservation Commission.

• Maintain 25-foot buffer from wetlands
• 50-foot setback from coastal high tide line
• No dumping in storm drains or conservation areas
• Fines for violations per municipal code

Old Lyme Conservation Commission
52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371
Phone: (860) 434-1605
Official Website: Old Lyme Conservation Commission

Soil Series and Drainage Considerations for Green Waste in Old Lyme

Old Lyme’s soils are predominantly mapped as Charlton-Chatfield and Haven series, characterized by glacial till, moderate to high stone content, and moderately acidic pH (5.5–6.5). Poor drainage is common in low-lying areas, with seasonal water tables at 12–18 inches. When managing green waste, avoid stockpiling on compacted or saturated soils to prevent runoff and nutrient leaching. Composting is most effective when organic material is incorporated into well-drained upland soils, tilled to a depth of 6–8 inches. Residents are encouraged to obtain a soil test through UConn Extension (typical cost: $15–25) to determine pH and amendment needs. For detailed soil mapping, refer to the USDA Web Soil Survey.

• Charlton-Chatfield, Haven soil series
• pH range: 5.5–6.5 (moderately acidic)
• Poor drainage in lowlands; avoid stockpiling in wet areas
• Compost: 2–3 inches tilled to 6–8 inch depth
• Soil testing recommended for amendment planning

Equipment Operation Hours and Safety Standards for Green Waste Handling in Old Lyme

Operation of power equipment for green waste processing in Old Lyme is regulated by municipal noise ordinances. Permitted hours are:

• Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday and holidays: Prohibited All chippers, mowers, and blowers must be equipped with functional mufflers, and noise levels may not exceed 85 decibels at the property line. Personnel are required to wear ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses, hearing protection for equipment over 85 dB, and cut-resistant gloves when handling brush. Maintain a 15-foot clearance from overhead lines and public roads. For large-scale operations or work near public infrastructure, coordinate with the Department of Public Works for traffic control and safety planning.
• Equipment hours: See above
• PPE: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves
• Noise limit: 85 dB at property line
• Clearance: 15 feet from utilities/roads

Old Lyme Department of Public Works
52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371
Phone: (860) 434-4959
Official Website: Old Lyme Department of Public Works

State and Federal Environmental Compliance for Green Waste Disposal in Old Lyme

Green waste management in Old Lyme must comply with the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act and the federal Clean Water Act. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) administers the MS4 stormwater program, which prohibits discharge of yard debris into storm drains or water bodies. Residents and contractors must ensure all green waste is contained and not left on impervious surfaces. For technical guidance, consult UConn Extension for composting and soil health best practices. Old Lyme falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b–7a, and seasonal timing for green waste removal should consider local weather patterns, available from the National Weather Service.

• No green waste in storm drains or water bodies
• Comply with MS4 permit and buffer requirements
• Use extension resources for composting guidance
• Reference NWS for optimal timing

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 424-3000
Official Website: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Old Lyme, CT?

• Old Lyme Shores: Coastal neighborhood with sandy soils and strict 50-foot coastal buffer requirements; properties often face salt spray and require careful debris management to protect Long Island Sound.
• Black Hall: Features mature woodlands and proximity to the Black Hall River; heavy leaf and branch accumulation in fall, with many properties adjacent to wetlands requiring 25-foot no-disturbance buffers.
• Rogers Lake Area: Lakefront homes with variable drainage and periodic flooding; green waste must be managed to prevent runoff into the lake and comply with MS4 stormwater rules.
• Sound View: Dense development and narrow streets; limited curbside space for collection, requiring strict adherence to container size and placement guidelines.
• Mile Creek: Suburban area with larger lots and mixed soil types; frequent brush and yard debris generation, with some properties bordering conservation lands.
• Lyme Street Historic District: Historic properties with mature landscaping and stone walls; special care needed to avoid damaging heritage trees and to comply with local preservation ordinances.
• White Sand Beach: Seasonal residences with sandy, well-drained soils; increased green waste during summer months and heightened need for erosion control near dunes.