Calgary

Grab free compost from the city starting this weekend

As part of the green cart program, the city is offering 100 litres of compost per vehicle every Saturday in May.

53 million kilograms of waste has been composted since Calgary's green cart program started

Laura Hamilton with the city shovels some compost at the Calgary facility that will open to the public this weekend. (Mike Symington/CBC)

Calgarians will get the chance to pick up some free compost from the city starting this weekend. 

As part of the green cart program, the city is offering 100 litres of compost per vehicle every Saturday in May. Those who want to grab some can show up at the facility, located at 12111 68th St. S.E., between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

"Calgarians have done an amazing job using their green carts since we rolled out the program last year," said Laura Hamilton, a waste diversion specialist with the city. 

Calgary offers free compost every Saturday in May

7 years ago
Duration 0:30
For the first time in Calgary, the city is giving away compost on a self-serve basis.

"We have collected over 53 million kilograms of food and yard waste and turned it into nutrient rich compost."

Bring your own shovels and buckets

The amount of compost each person can take away is the equivalent of approximately five five-gallon buckets, according to Hamilton. 

Shovels and some kind of container have to be brought by those wanting compost, and Hamilton says tarps are needed if you're loading the material into the back of a pickup. 

She says they're anticipating a lot of interest in the giveaway.

Compost that is not collected by Calgarians will be sold to farmers and landscapers, and some will be used in parks and community gardens.