There is a lot to learn about composting at home, but you do not have to know it all to get started. Learn as you go and explore these opportunities.
Spring Thaw and Bales of Straw Events
Pick up straw bales at no charge! A maximum of 6 bales per vehicle is allowed. Serve yourself and come prepared with gloves, a wagon or tarp to move and load your bales. We recommend 2 people to lift each bale. Onsite staff and volunteers can answer any questions.
Schedule
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sat April 5 | Queen Elizabeth Park | 10am-3pm |
| Emily Murphy Park | 10-11am | |
| Gallagher Park | Noon-3pm | |
| Sun April 6 | Rundle Park (ACT Hill) | 10am-Noon |
| Rundle Park (North Hill) | 10am-3pm | |
| Sat April 12 | Queen Elizabeth Park | 10am-3pm |
Size and weight of straw bales:
- 1m x 0.5m x 0.4m (3’ x. 1.5’ x 1.3’)
- 18-20 kilograms (40-45 lbs)
Follow @YEGCompostSchool for updates.
Ways to Reuse Straw Bales
- Excellent browns for composting
- Mix with greens and fluff the pile weekly
- Keep it moist like a wrung-out sponge
- Replaces plant containers or raised garden beds
- Decomposes slowly and conditions the soil
Follow these steps:
- Arrange the bales on your landscape, keeping the prickly side on top.
- Water the straw to start the decomposition process. It takes 14-20 days for straw to break down and start bacterial growth.
- Optional: Add fertilizer to speed up the process and increase bacterial activity. Poke holes in the center, add fertilizer and water the straw bale. (Nitrogen in the fertilizer balances with the carbon-rich straw).
- Frequently water the straw to keep it moist.
- Create a hole for the seedlings and directly insert them.
Tips:
- Check moisture regularly. Straw bales can dry out. Keep straw bales damp but not drenched.
- Ensure your landscape fits with community standards. It should look tidy, maintained and well-kept.
Benefits
- Suppresses weeds, helping plants compete with weeds
- Decomposes slowly and conditions the soil
- Holds moisture and reduces evaporation from your soil
Follow these steps:
- Prune, mow, or pull unwanted plants from the mulching space.
- Optional: Spread a layer of material on top of that space. Examples: cardboard or newspaper. This suppresses weeds even more.
- Spread a layer of straw on top of that area (or wood chips, leaves, dry grass). A good mulch layer is 5 centimetres (2-3 inches).
Tips:
- Keep mulch away from the base or stem of plants. Give them space to stay dry.
- Some mulch is good, but not too much. Do not mulch thicker than 15 centimetres (3 inches).
- Soft bedding for animals
- Provide warmth and ideal conditions for urban hens
Tip: Straw used as animal bedding becomes excellent material for composting.
Compost School Upgrades
Compost School is growing to serve residents better and will be temporarily closed to allow Waste Services to update the site. An announcement will be made when the facility reopens.
You can take your food scraps to an Eco Station during this closure.
Virtual Workshops
Edmonton Public Library Life Skills Class
| Date | Time | |
| Sat April 12 | 1-2:15pm | Register for Workshop |
| Wed April 23 | 1-2:15pm | Register for Workshop |
| Wed May 7 | 6:30-7:45pm | Register for Workshop |
| Date | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Wed April 16 | 6:30-7:45pm | Register for Workshop |
| Sat May 10 | 1-2:15pm | Register for Workshop |
| Wed June 18 | 6:30-7:45pm | Register for Workshop |
In-person Workshops
Workshops are held at City of Edmonton facilities.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sat May 17 | 11am-12:30pm & 1-2:30pm | John Janzen Nature Centre |
| Sat June 28 | 11am-12:30pm & 1-2:30pm | John Janzen Nature Centre |
| Sat July 26 | 11am-12:30pm & 1-2:30pm | Compost School |
Request a Compost Mentor
Waste Services has a team of Master Composter Recycler volunteers who can help with your composting problems. Send your request to MCRP@edmonton.ca.
Contact the Compost Helpline
Reach us at compost@edmonton.ca or 780-668-0217.
Publications from the City of Edmonton
Composting Booklet
Worm Composting Booklet
Compost Bins You Can Build
Resources from Edmonton Public Library
EPL offers many resources to learn about home composting, using compost, building healthy soil and creating sustainable landscapes.
Contact Us
Home Composting Programs
Our staff and volunteers are ready to answer your questions.
Media inquiries should be directed through the appropriate media contact.
Email compost@edmonton.ca
Phone 780-668-0217