Composting

Did you know?

Kitchen garbage produces approximately 50 per cent of your curbside garbage weight. The Town of Newmarket is charged by weight for dumping at the landfill site. Composting is a major means to divert wastes from landfill. Composting produces a excellent, free, soil conditioner which will improve your garden.

What can I compost?

Fruit and vegetable scraps, tea bags, crushed egg shells, coffee grounds, house plants, cut flowers, plant trimmings and remains, and mulched leaves.

Standard size composters are available year round at the Operations Centre, 1275 Maple Hill Crt, Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Cash or cheque only) regular price: $20 each.

Winter composting

To reduce the amount of kitchen waste placed at the curb, compost year round. Don't be put off by winter weather! Materials that you add to your bin during the winter will decompose very slowly as the temperature drops and the pile may freeze solid, but as soon as the weather warms, the process will become active again. Cold temperatures are actually beneficial; the freezing action breaks down the fibres in organic material that aids in decomposition once it thaws out.

There is no need to take your food scraps out each day. You can store them in a container by the sinkand take them out every few days. A lid will prevent unpleasant odours.

For more information on composting, please call 905-895-5193.

York Region Composting Brochure