Composting is the recycling of organic materials. It's a natural biological process that breaks down organic matter like food and yard waste into a humus-like soil booster called compost. Compost is rich in nutrients that is ideal for soil and plants.
How do you compost?
A compost pile can be as simple as a shallow hole, or you can build or buy a compost bin. You mix in food scraps, like fruit and veggie scraps, with yard trimmings, like grass clippings and dead leaves. Add water, give it some time and you will be rewarded with a rich compost.
For more detailed information on how to compost, compost troubleshooting, the types of composters available, etc., visit our Composting FAQs or download our 
composting fact sheet.
Why compost?
You Benefit
When you start using compost, soil holds water better and discourages weeds. Gardens/lawns become less dependent on chemicals.
The City Benefits
Composting is recycling. Encouraging Calgarians to recycle their food scraps and yard trimmings reduces greenhouse gases and extends the life of our landfills.
The Environment Benefits
The more organic material that ends up in the landfill - the more greenhouse gases are released in the air. Food and yard trimmings consist of over 50 per cent of garbage from our homes, which makes landfills one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases in Calgary.
Where can I buy a composter?
The City of Calgary offers composters for sale all year round at a subsidized price. To purchase a composter for only $35 + GST, visit CITYonline or contact Green Calgary at 403-230-1443.
Composting workshops & information
Green Calgary has an informative website with information about composting and other ways to reduce, reuse and recycle or they can answer your composting questions at 403-230-1443. Green Calgary also offers composting workshops (for a small fee), contact them at 403-230-1443 for times and availability.
