Composting
Composting breaks down your household food and garden materials into a rich type of soil. It's a great way to reduce your household waste and create a natural fertilizer, all at the same time.
Composters are available for purchase at the following locations:
- The Biggars Lane Landfill and the Paris Transfer Station. View the Landfill and Transfer Station webpage for hours and locations.
- The Burford and Paris Customer Service offices. View the Customer Service Locations webpage for hours and location
Please note that there is a limited quantity of Green Cone Composters available.
Composters for Sale
| Item | Price | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Earth Machine Composter (PDF) | $30 (including tax) |  |
| Green Cone Composter webpage | $75 (including tax) |  |
Getting Started
The recipe for composting success is easy! Greens + Browns + Water + Air = Compost
Browns = materials high in carbon (e.g. dried leaves, shredded paper)
Greens = materials high in nitrogen (e.g. grass clippings, vegetables)
| Step 1: Find your spot |
| Find a suitable spot for your composter. Select a level, sunny area that has good drainage and is convenient to access year-round. |
| Step 2: Make your base |
| Once your composter is in place, add a base layer of twigs and small branches in the bottom of the composter. This will let air to enter the compost and allow it to drain. |
| Step 3: Add in layers |
| Add materials in alternating layers. The ideal mix is 1 - 2 parts kitchen scraps (greens) and one part yard waste (browns). Add some finished compost or garden soil to your composter. This will introduce the necessary microorganism needed for the composting process and to help reduce odour. |
| Step 4: Turn and Moisten |
| Mix up your compost regularly to increase air circulation in your compost pile, which needs oxygen in order to break down. The compost pile should be kept moist, like a damp sponge. If your pile looks too dry, add a little bit of water. |
Composting Tips
- Use a pitchfork or shovel to aerate your compost pile - some hardware and home improvement stores sell aerators specially designed for composters
- Save some of your leaves from the fall for use during the spring and summer
- Your compost is ready when it is dark in colour, crumbles to the touch and has an earthy smell
- Consider using a second composter - one you can add materials to while the other is finishing
- Chop materials smaller to help them break down quicker