Need A Composter?

Available at the Simcoe Recreation Centre, 182 South Drive, Simcoe at a cost of $48.25.

The Dirt on Composting

Quick Facts

  • Composting is the natural breakdown of organic material into an earthy soil conditioner called compost
  • One-third of your household garbage is compostable
  • It takes only a few minutes a week to turn it into a high-quality compost that is rich in nutrients
  • Composting is done in an outdoor container called a composter
  • Your composter can be made from a few spare planks or a commercially made unit, purchased from the Norfolk County Public Works Office.

What should you compost?

  • Leaves & dry grass
  • Weeds (but not seeds)
  • Garden Plants
  • Coffee ground and filters
  • Teabags
  • Fruit & vegetable cores
  • Peeling and left-overs
  • Eggshells
  • Bread

What shouldn’t you compost?

  • Milk products
  • Meat scraps and bones
  • Oil and grease
  • Pet wastes
  • Walnut shells

Myths and Truths

Myth: Composters give off unpleasant odours.
Truth: A composter will not give off any odours if it’s properly maintained.

Myth: You can only compost in warm weather.
Truth: You can compost year-round. Keep adding materials to your compost all winter. In spring the compost will thaw, giving you much more nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

Myth: You must have a large backyard to compost.
Truth: A well-maintained composter can be set up in even the smallest backyard. They only occupy a few feet of space.

Myth: Composters can only be used for kitchen scraps.
Truth: A composter can be used for any material that will break down – although it is not recommended that meats or fats be put in there. You can compost grass, leaves or any organic material from your yard and kitchen.

Myth: Composters are expensive and difficult to get.
Truth: Composters are available at the Simcoe Recreation Centre, 182 South Drive, Simcoe at a cost of $48.25.