Compost Giveaway

[June 11, 2026 Update] COMPOST IS AVAILABLE
FREE compost giveaway at the Mike Mitchell Recycling Depot (7 Chevigny St.). Pick up during regular hours of operation.

Guidelines for the Giveaway

Due to traffic and large equipment on site, please keep pets and small children in your vehicle for everyone's safety.
Follow all posted signage.
Maximum of 40 litres (10 gallons, or any other equivalencies) per day.
Compost available while supplies last. No rain checks are available.
Residents must supply their own container and shovel.

Compost Use FAQ

Is compost the same as soil?

No! Soil is composed primarily of sand, silt, and clay, with some organic matter too. Compost is made up of 100% decomposed organic matter. Rich in nutrients, it is used to fortify soils for gardening, helping your plants to grow better.

What is compost used for?

Compost is used to enrich depleted soils with nutrients. It can help plants to grow better by reintroducing important organic compounds that might be missing.

How much compost should I use?

A recommended soil-to-compost ratio is four parts soil to one part compost. You can add more or less compost depending on the needs of your plants. A good rule of thumb is to apply 3-7 cm of compost to your topsoil, and then mix to incorporate to a depth of about 15-20 cm. Once your garden is established, you can add 3-7 cm of fresh compost every spring and fall to help keep your soil healthy and nutrient-rich.

Is it possible to use too much compost?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to use too much compost. Compost should never exceed more than 50% of your planting material. Using too much compost puts your garden at risk of nutrient burn, resulting in poor plant growth and potentially even plant fatalities! It's aways better to start slow and add more compost if and when it is needed.

Where does the compost come from?

The compost provided at the Mike Mitchell Recycling Depot is the end product following the decomposition of the organic material that goes into your green organics cart at home. So, every time you put food waste or yard waste into your green organics cart, you are helping to provide raw materials that will eventually become compost! The compost is created at Roseridge Waste Management Centre, located in Sturgeon County. More information can be found at https://www.roseridge.ab.ca/Compost