Home Composting
What is Composting?
Composting is the natural decaying process of food and yard trimmings that results in a dark, nutrient-rich material used to fertilize and condition soil. It requires mixing different types of materials with air and water which breaks down with the help of heat and micro-organisms.
Why Compost?
Compost is frequently used to enrich soil and provide moisture and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) to garden beds and lawns.
It is estimated that approximately one-third of household garbage can be composted. By composting, you will help the environment, create a free and natural fertilizer, and reduce your garbage.
How-to-Compost Videos
Click here to see a number of composting videos provided courtesy of North Shore Recycling Program.
Purchasing a Backyard Composter
The Township sells the Earth Machine, an 80 gallon, durable and lightweight composter. The subsidized cost to Township residents only is $25 payable by cash, cheque, debit, or credit card.
The Earth Machine can be purchased at:
- Civic Facility, 20338 - 65 Avenue
- Operations Centre, 4700 - 224 Street
Aerators make it easy to mix your compost. The Wing Digger aerator can be bought at the Operations Centre or Civic Facility for $15.00
Other types of composters are available at a variety of local stores.
Building Your Own Backyard Composter
An alternative to purchasing a composter is to build your own. For a detailed guide on how to make a composter, click here to see Metro Vancouver's Compost Bin Construction Plans stored in our Document Library.
What to Put In Your Backyard Composter
Click here to determine what goes into your composter.
Managing your Backyard Composter
Click here for a guide to managing your backyard composter.
For troubleshooting, contact the Regional Compost Hotline: 604.736.2250 or composthotline@telus.net.
Worm Composting (Vermicomposting)
Worm composting is ideal if you:
- live in a smaller space such as an apartment or town home
- would like to compost using a faster method of composting (a couple of months)
When properly done, worm composters are compact, pest-free, odourless, and fun!
Worm Composting Workshops
The Township is offering worm composting kits to only Township residents at the subsidized cost of $30. Payment will be accepted (cash or cheque only) at the workshop*. You receive:
- container with lid and tray, approximately 56cm x 43cm x 31cm (22in x 17in x 12in)
- bedding materials
- reference materials
- a half pound of red wiggler worms
Workshops are offered from March to October.
To register for a worm composting workshop, contact 604.532.3544 or worms@tol.ca.
Click here for more information about worm composting.
Worm Composting Garden Party
Do you like parties? Do you want to learn about worm composting in the comfort of your own home? If you answered yes to these two questions, then you should host a Worm Composting Garden Party! As a host, your role is to provide a party space and invite 8 or more friends (Township residents) who are interested in worm composting. The Township will bring the workshop to you, along with fun, excitement, a gift for the host, and all the necessary workshop materials.
To book your FREE Worm Composting Garden Party, contact:
Worm Composting Program Coordinator
worms@tol.ca
604.532.3544
More Information
Engineering Division
604.532.7300
enginfo@tol.ca