Organics and Composting
Organics & Composting
Working with our waste collection services provider, the Town of Strathmore's residential organic waste, collected from the green carts, is turned into nutrient-rich soil amendment.
- Environment Canada has identified organic waste material as making up about 40% of residential waste.
- The more waste we put in our landfills, the more we contribute to the release of greenhouse gasses and pollution that can leak into ecosystems - harming plants and animals.
You can help reduce the amount of waste that is sent to our landfills by composting.
- Organic materials such as kitchen scraps and back yard debris contain essential plant nutrients.
- These can be easily recycled for use as fertilizer and soil amendment – keeping organic material out of our landfills.
Read about the Town's Free Composting Program below!
Free Compost Program
Our compost program keeps waste out of our landfills and can make your garden, and the gardens around Town, even greener!
How Does it Work?
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From May 1 - October 31 compost material is available, for Strathmore residents, at the Strathmore recycling facility - 103 Huxted Way.
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Self load up to 10 gallons of finished compost / day.
Application Instructions
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As top dressing for established lawns, spread evenly, 1/4" to 1/2", in the spring and then water thoroughly
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Before planting flower beds and vegetable gardens, apply compost within the garden and work into 5-8cm of soil and then water thoroughly
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Compost must be manufactured to meet stringent government standards designed to protect human health and the environment. As with any soil product, please wear gloves and wash your hands after use.
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If you suffer from allergies, respiratory conditions, or a compromised immune system, take specific precautions to avoid inhalation of dusts (i.e., wear a dust mask).
Compostable Bags
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Organics can be placed in compostable bags instead of placed directly into the cart.
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Certified organic bags are made from food-by-product and break down easily.
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Biodegradable or plastic bags are not acceptable as they do not break down and will contaminate the composting process.
Layering Organics
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Layering between wet and dry materials keeps waste from getting stuck in the cart and helps to reduce odors.
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To layer the cart line the bottom with newspaper, cardboard or paper towel (shredded paper cannot be used). Then alternate between wet waste like kitchen scraps and grass clippings, and dry waste like newspaper or leaves.
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Large amounts of grass clippings can become stuck in the cart, especially when damp. Place small amount of grass clippings in your cart, layer with dryer materials or give the grass time to dry out.
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Keep organics light and fluffy! Avoid packing down contents in your cart. Materials may become stuck in the cart, and the truck may not be able to fully empty it. If items are stuck, it is up to the resident to loosen them and put the cart out for the next pick up date.
Take these steps in the winter when layering organics and placing out green carts:
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Layer organics in the green cart with paper products (IE. newspaper, food boxes or paper towels) to reduce material from becoming stuck
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Clean an area around the carts, at the collection location, of snow and do not place the carts behind or on top of snow banks
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Clear the lid of snow and ice so the lid opens during collection
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Contact Us
Town of Strathmore
PO BOX 2280,
1 Parklane Drive, Strathmore, AB,
T1P 1K2,
Phone: (403) 934-3133
Fax: (403) 934-4713