FAQ-Waste-Composting

Compostable stuff makes up 40 to 60 per cent of Alberta’s waste stream, so composting is a major part of reducing waste that goes into our landfills. Not only does composting reduce waste but using the compost has benefits too. Compost will add nutrients to your garden and improve its soil moisture retention. Further, by "top-dressing" your lawn with a sprinkling of compost, you can help to improve the health of your watershed! A lawn with compost will retain more moisture, require less watering, be naturally fertilized, and reduce the amount of run-off reaching our rivers, streams and lakes. Composting operations can range from small-small-scale backyard composters to large municipal composting facilities.

How do we get a municipal composting program started?

Composting can be done using a variety of systems, which vary significantly in cost, space required, odour generated, time to create finished compost and the skill necessary to operate the composting facility. When choosing a system it is important to consider the amount and type of available feedstock to be composted available finances, the local climate and any special circumstances (e.g. where storage and processing organics attract unwanted wildlife and vermin) which may require more specialized systems (e.g. in-vessel systems) and collection methods. For more information visit Alberta Environment's website.

Where do we get information on backyard composting?

Backyard composting is an easy, inexpensive and rewarding way to reduce waste, by diverting useful organics from the landfill. For general information on backyard composting visit Alberta Environment's website for on backyard composting.

For the City of Calgary, call the Recycle Line at (403) 277-7770 or visit the website.

For the City of Edmonton, call 311 or visit the website.

What is vermicomposting and where can I learn more about it?

Worm composting or 'vermicomposting' is useful for someone who has little or no space for a backyard composter. Using red wiggler worms, you can compost your fruit and vegetable waste indoors and end up with a soil conditioner for your house and garden plants. Note: Don't try this with any old worms, only the red wigglers are adapted to eat your compostable wastes.

For more information, visit Alberta Environment's Information Centre online and order Vermicomposting to Reduce Kitchen Waste.

Can I get someone to present start-up composting to a classroom?

Alberta Environment offers a number of educational resources on the topic of waste reduction, including composting. Check out Alberta Environment's Information Centre website to search available publications and materials on the subject and available in grade-specific teacher/student resources.

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