Composting

What is composting?

Composting is the natural process of breaking down organic material, such as kitchen and yard waste, to produce a nutrient-rich, soil-like material. The process works with the help of micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi combined with air and moisture.

Why should I compost?

Composting turns kitchen and yard waste into usable resources - for free .

. It benefits plants, trees and shrubs by returning valuable nutrients to the earth and increasing water retention of soil.

Composting reduces the amount of garbage sent to the landfill. Composting can reduce your household garbage by approximately one-half.

What materials can be composted?

Most organic materials, such as:

grass clippings

garden waste, flower clippings and leaves

weeds (before they flower)

fruit and vegetable scraps

tea leaves, tea bags, coffee grounds and filters

nutshells and eggshells

Do not compost:

weeds gone to seed

meat, fish and bones

nuts

animal or human waste

rhubarb leaves

diseased plants

dairy products

oils and fats

What can I do with the finished compost?

Finished compost is a free and natural alternative to store-bought chemicals and fertilizers and can be used in a number of environmentally friendly ways:

A natural fertilizer in flower and vegetable gardens

On the soil surface around trees and shrubs

For house plants and planter boxes

As lawn top dressing

To make compost "tea" to water flowers, vegetables, house plants or trouble spots on the lawn

How to compost

For detailed information on composting, contact the Green Action Centre composting information line or sign up for their free composting workshop.

Additional information