Toronto's approach to composting
Compost is a great soil conditioner for flower and vegetable gardens, lawns or houseplants. The value of composting has been recognized by gardeners for centuries. This natural process of turning food and yard waste into fertilizer also means less waste going to landfill, and that's good for the environment. In order to promote the benefits of composting, Solid Waste Management has implemented a number of successful programs which are described below.
Home Composting Program
By far the most successful composting program has been the sale of individual backyard composting units. Approximately 157,000 units have been sold at a highly subsidized price. Residents may purchase a single backyard unit.
For more information on how to obtain a composter, call the Composter Order Line at 416-392-9573 or check out the single bin composter info and order form.
Community composting
Composting is gaining popularity among people in multi-residential housing, community gardens, religious institutions, schools and community centres. You can receive information on how to compost and on how to start and maintain a composting program. Groups may choose to build their own composting bins.
For more information call our Composter Order Line at 416-392-9573.
Leaf & Yard Waste Collection and Composting Program
Through the Leaf & Yard Waste Collection Program, leaves and other yard waste from residential collection are composted at a composting site located outside of the City. When available, the resulting compost is distributed free of charge from April to October, at Leaf Compost Depots across Toronto and Community Environment Days.
Composting information
A variety of informational factsheets on composting are available on this website.