Free Compost Available to City Residents

Compost is now available to residents at no charge, the City of Thunder Bay announced Thursday.

The free compost is weather permitting and while quantities last. The compost pickup area at the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility entrance off John Street Road will be open beginning Monday, May 10.

Hours of operation for compost pickup are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..

The pickup area is located east of the old John Street landfill site entrance. Residents can drive in and take home free compost for landscaping, flowerbeds and lawns, but it is not for use in vegetable gardens.

Residents bringing garbage, recycling or household hazardous waste must dispose of these items at the solid waste and recycling facility on Mapleward Road before visiting the special compost pick-up area.

"All the leaves, branches, yard and garden waste dropped off at the compost area at the landfill has been blended with organic waste collected during the special spring and fall curbside pickups," said Brad Adams, City of Thunder Bay’s manager of roads. "Even the pumpkins collected during the Great Pumpkin Collection after Halloween and the chips from the Christmas tree chipping program are included in the mix.

"The result is high quality, well-aged and screened compost available to any City resident who wants to come out and pick some up."

Residents are advised to bring a shovel and bags or containers to carry their compost home.