Due to high demand, the City’s compost giveaway, hosted at Ambleside and Kennedale Eco Stations, will end on May 24 or until supplies last. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Available each spring, the City offers high-quality horticultural compost to residents at no charge. The giveaway has been made possible through the collective efforts of Edmontonians and the City to sort, set out, collect and process yard waste separately from other waste.
Compost Composition
City of Edmonton horticultural compost is made from yard waste dropped off at Eco Stations by residents and collected as part of the residential curbside collections program. This material is composted at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre.
It is rich in organic matter and excellent for enriching plant mixes and stimulating plant growth. Horticultural compost adds vital supplements to soils, stimulates and enhances growth, and improves water retention.
Proper Compost Use
- Use a little, not a lot. Use 1 part compost for every 3 parts soil for best results.
- Mix compost with soil. Compost is not a soil replacement but a soil enhancement. You should not plant directly into pure compost.
- For topdressing and mulch, spread a thin layer of finished compost on the garden, around plants, or on a lawn. Compost will slowly mix into the soil, adding nutrients for plant roots.
This compost is lab tested and does not contain any weeds. The high temperatures of the composting process kill weeds.
For Commercial Needs and Larger Residential Projects
You can buy compost in pre-packaged bags (30 litres/11 kilograms each) at select retailers or in bulk.
To help keep the waste utility rate low and stable, Waste Services finds ways to use the resources residents dispose of to offset overall costs. This is the case with the City’s compost program - we produce compost from residents’ yard waste to sell to commercial clients, and the revenue generated helps cover some of Waste Services’ overall budget. The compost shared with residents at no additional charge is surplus compost not marked for commercial sale, and is only available while this surplus supply lasts.
How to Compost at Home
Learn the basics of composting at home. You’ll find tips on getting started, maintaining your composter and what materials you can compost.
Home Composting Booklet
A guide to home composting
Worm Composting Booklet
How to compost using worms
