Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! For those with only indoor or patio space, a worm bin is a great option for creating compost from kitchen waste. See Factsheet #2 – Vermicomposting for more information, or sign up for one of our free workshops on Yard-Free Composting or Worm Composting. Many people use rotating compost tumblers on their patios as well. See Factsheet #9 – Tumbler Composters.

Although the type of salmonella that lives in chickens can get transferred to their eggs, the quantity of eggshells in most compost is a small percentage of the whole. This means that any salmonella present is unlikely to overwhelm the rest of the pile. If pathogen contamination is a concern, you can ensure that the temperature of your compost rises to 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit using a hot composting method.

We don’t recommend using compostable plastic bags in your curbside green bin. If a goopy bin is a concern, line the bottom of your curbside bin and kitchen catcher with newspaper scraps or brown paper bags to soak up some of the liquid. Another option is using a Green Cone Food Waste Digester and compost bins to divert most of your food waste from our regional industrial composting facility.

All food scraps collected via curbside pick-up and at the Hartland Landfill transfer bin are processed and transformed into compost at Fischer Road Recycling in Cobble Hill.

Currently, there is no universal standard for what constitutes “compostable” but most compostable plastics don’t fully decompose in a home compost nor any industrial composting facilities anywhere in British Columbia, so they are best avoided.
We recommend using recycled paper bags or newspaper to line your kitchen waste containers, which readily break down in either a home compost or industrial facility. See Factsheet #17 – Understanding and Addressing Compostable Plastics for more information.

We don’t recommend putting these items in a regular compost bin or pile, as they can interfere with the composting process, create odors, attract vermin, and potentially carry health risks. However, these types of scraps can absolutely be added to a Food Waste Digester (See Factsheet #3 – Backyard Food Waste Digester for more information), or check with your local green waste collection program if you have one.

For a regular compost pile, yes that is normal! If you are adding to your compost a little bit at a time, everything will decompose without a noticeable amount of heat. This method is called “passive” or “cold” composting.  Heat is only needed if you are trying to do hot composting, where a large quantity of material is mixed all at once and then monitored for temperature (See Factsheet #4 – Hot Composting if you’re curious about the process). Some scientific studies have found that worms can help reduce the presence of disease-causing bacteria in organic wastes.

Your compost shouldn’t produce odor, if the oxygen-loving microbes are given the right conditions. A pile that smells is often too wet, lacking oxygen, or needs more brown matter (or all three of these). It’s a good idea to mix in rough plant matter that will create air pockets, such as dried leaves, twigs, or straw, and manually fluff up the pile occasionally if needed.  There is  more information in our free Composting Basics workshops, as well as Factsheet #1 – Backyard Composting. Or feel free to reach out to us by phone or email; we’re happy to chat with you if your compost needs help!

Compost is done when it is dark brown and crumbly like soil, has an earthy smell, and most of the material you put in is unrecognizable. This typically takes about 6-12 months for a “cold” compost, 4-6 months for a worm compost, and 2-6 months for a hot compost. If you use a bin with a door near the bottom, you can scoop out the finished compost and leave the unfinished material to continue to break down. Unfinished compost can sometimes hinder the growth of seeds and young plants, so it’s a good idea to wait until it’s ready before adding it to your garden.

Finished compost can be used in a seed sprouting or potting mix, mixed into the soil when transplanting, or added to the soil surface around your plants, where it will continue breaking down and feeding the living things in the soil. It can also be used to make compost tea (see Factsheet #13 Compost tea). If you don’t have a garden, compost is always appreciated by gardeners in your community!

Fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, shredded newspaper, coffee grounds, loose tea leaves, garden debris, leaves, grass clippings, human or pet hair (in small quantities).

Yes! Composting organisms, like worms LOVE coffee grounds.

Sawdust is a great material to add to your compost bin. Use it as a carbon-rich or “brown” material, like leaves or newspaper. Ensure that you mix the sawdust well with the other materials in the pile to avoid creating air pockets. IMPORTANT: Avoid using any sawdust from wood infused with dried epoxy resin glue, particleboard, plywood, or fiberboard.

Surrounding the sides and bottom of your bin with ¼” wire screen, also called hardware cloth, will help prevent rodents from being able to chew their way into your compost. Make sure your compost bin has a secure lid, and avoid adding bones, meat, cooked food, and dairy. Eliminating other nearby rodent attractants (such as pet food, birdseed, dirty recycling, etc.) and keeping the area around your compost clear of any vegetation can also help deter rodents from tunneling or nesting near your compost bin. See Factsheet #18 – Vermin Resistance for more information

Look for soil containing Sea Soil or Oceancycle fish compost to ensure the soil has enough nutrients. If the soil you purchase does not have this, you will need to supplement nutrients (i.e. with compost or manures) to grow annual vegetables successfully (Read Factsheet #24 – Grow Your Own Food).

Small Quantities (in plastic bags):

• Grocery stores (during spring and summer)
• Any nursery or garden centre (e.g. GardenWorks, Borden Mercantile, etc.)

Large Quantities (truck loads):

• Integrity Sales and Distributors: 2180 Keating Cross Rd, Saanichton, BC V8M 2A6, 250-544-2072
• Peninsula Landscape Supplies
• Tuf Turf: 4060 Blenkinsop Rd, Victoria, BC V8X 2C2, 250-721-5300

• The Compost Education Centre carries a selection of seed grown and saved here on site and by Full Circle Seeds. Save on mail delivery fees and come find your seeds at our retail shop at 1216 North Park.
• Full Circle Seeds
• Metchosin Farms
• Salt Spring Seeds
• Saanich Organics Seeds
• Satinflower Nurseries
• BC Eco Seed Coop
• Buckerfield’s
• Integrity Sales and Distributors: 2180 Keating Cross Rd, Saanichton, BC V8M 2A6, 250-544-2072
• Garden Works – CEC members get 10% off all purchases at Garden Works
• The Local General Store

Sooke Soil and Landscape these folks have a variety of products including hardwood chips available and can deliver.

Depending on the time of year, you can get wood chips through the Get Growing Victoria! Program.

• MB Labs: soil testing for fertility and contamination
• Healing City Soils: a project of the Compost Education Centre – free soil contaminant testing

• Borden Mercantile – CEC members get 10% off all purchases at Borden Mercantile
• Michell’s Farm
• Buckerfield’s

Satin Flower Nurseries has a wide range of services, from native seedlings, seeds, and resources.

We maintain a list of red wriggler worm sellers in the region – please call (250) – 386- 9676 or contact us to get their contact information.

Unable to pick up locally? There are also companies like Burnaby Red Wigglers and Pacific Composting Co. who will ship worms via mail.

If you would like to be added to our list of red wiggler sellers, feel free to contact us or call 250-386-9578!

The Compost Education Centre of course! Visit our product page or visit our retail space at 1216 North Park St. to find out what we have in stock.

• If you travel down West Saanich Rd you will find lots of farms that have bags of manure for sale at the ends of their driveways
• Rumour has it that you can take a bucket to the horse drawn carriage tour operators in James Bay towards the end of their working day and collect horse manure
• UsedVictoria  always has lots of listings for all varieties of manure

• Castle Building Supplies (sold by the foot, 36″ wide)

To learn more about using hardware cloth in compost bin designs and rodent prevention visit Factsheet #18 – Vermin Resistance.

• The Pallet Bible is a great guide to finding, inspecting and dismantling pallets for all your building needs

Click here to learn how to make a Three Bin Pallet Composter System

• Check out Factsheet #16 Rainwater Harvesting
• Visit the Compost Education Centre to see examples of Rainwater Management in action.
• Van Isle Water sells cisterns and rain barrels and their staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. 461 Dupplin Rd Victoria , (250) 383-7145
• The Capital Regional District has resources on rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, and a list of Local Rain Barrel Suppliers.
• City of Victoria has an incentive program for properties that manage rainwater sustainably.
• Hatchet & Seed is a local Edible Landscape Design Company who builds Rain gardens!

The Compost Education Centre has a solar food dryer that you can borrow for free from the CEC for a week. We also have a large solar food dehydrator on site, and you can book a time with us to come and use it here. Click here to learn more about the solar dehydrator program.

• Community Composting: for yard waste pick up only
• List of Private Waste and Recycling Collection Service Providers in the Capital Region

My Recyclopedia: A-Z database about what can be recycled in the CRD and where to go to do so

• The Township of Esquimalt provides collection of residential waste, including garbage, recycling, and kitchen scraps. Learn more and view pick up schedule.
• Esquimalt residents may drop off garden and yard waste at the Esquimalt and View Royal municipal Public Works Yard (605 Canteen Rd).
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)

• The District of Oak Bay provides collection of residential waste, including garbage, recycling, and kitchen scraps. Learn more and view pick up schedule.
• Oak Bay residents (must display a Resident Sticker on their vehicle) may drop off garbage, recyclables, and yard waste at the Municipal Transfer Station at 1771 Elgin Rd.
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)

• The District of Saanich provides collection of residential waste, including garbage, recycling, and kitchen scraps. Learn more and view pick up schedule.
• Saanich residents may drop off garden and yard waste at the Municipal Public Works Yard (1040 McKenzie Avenue).
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)

• The City of Victoria provides collection garbage and kitchen scraps. Learn more and view pick up schedule.
• Residential recycling is provided by the CRD. Visit the CRD website for information on curbside recycling collection.
• Victoria residents may drop off garden and yard waste at the City’s Public Waste Yard (417 Garbally Rd.)
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)

• The City of Langford does not provide municipal residential waste pick-up services. Residents are welcome to select their preferred waste collection provider – Click here to see a list of all private waste and recycling collection service providers in the Capital Region.
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)
• Residential recycling is provided by the CRD. Visit the CRD website for information on curbside recycling collection.

• The City of Colwood does not provide municipal residential waste pick-up services. Residents are welcome to select their preferred waste collection provider – Click here to see a list of all private waste and recycling collection service providers in the Capital Region.
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)
• Residential recycling is provided by the CRD. Visit the CRD website for information on curbside recycling collection.
• Colwood residents may drop off their yard waste at the Public Works Yard (3300 Wishart Rd.) every first and third Saturday of December, January and February and every Saturday from March-November from 8:30-4:00pm.
• To learn more about garbage, yard waste, and recycling depots in the City of Colwood, click here.

• The District of Central Saanich does not provide municipal residential waste pick-up services. Residents are welcome to select their preferred waste collection provider – Click here to see a list of all private waste and recycling collection service providers in the Capital Region.
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)
• Residential recycling is provided by the CRD. Visit the CRD website for information on curbside recycling collection.
• To learn more about garbage, yard waste, and recycling depots in the District of Central Saanich, click here.

• The District of Central Saanich does not provide municipal residential waste pick-up services. Residents are welcome to select their preferred waste collection provider – Click here to see a list of all private waste and recycling collection service providers in the Capital Region.
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)
• Visit the CRD website for information on curbside recycling collection.
• To learn more about garbage, yard waste, and recycling depots in the District of Central Saanich, click here.

• The Town of Sidney contracts out the collection of Garbage, Kitchen Organics, and Compostable Yard & Garden Waste to Emterra Environmental
• To learn more about garbage and kitchen scrap services in Sidney, click here.
• To learn more about yard and garden waste services in Sidney, click here.
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)
• Residential recycling is provided by the CRD. Visit the CRD website for information on curbside recycling collection. To learn about additional recycling services in the Town of Sidney, click here.

• The District of North Saanich does not provide municipal residential waste pick-up services. Residents are welcome to select their preferred waste collection provider – Click here to see a list of all private waste and recycling collection service providers in the Capital Region.
• Residential recycling is provided by the CRD. Visit the CRD website for information on curbside recycling collection.
• North Saanich residents may drop off garden and yard waste at the District’s Green Waste Facility (10180 Littlewood Rd.)
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)

• The Town of View Royal provides collection of garbage and kitchen scraps. Learn more and view pick up schedule.
• Residential recycling is provided by the CRD. Visit the CRD website for information on curbside recycling collection.
• View Royal residents may drop off garden and yard waste at the Yard and Garden Waste Transfer Station (605 Canteen Rd.)
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)

• The District of Metchosin does not provide municipal residential waste pick-up services. Residents are welcome to select their preferred waste collection provider – Click here to see a list of all private waste and recycling collection service providers in the Capital Region.
• Residential recycling is provided by the CRD. Visit the CRD website for information on curbside recycling collection.
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)
• To learn about garbage, recycling, and organic waste depots in Metchosin, click here.

• The District of Metchosin does not provide municipal residential waste pick-up services. Residents are welcome to select their preferred waste collection provider – Click here to see a list of all private waste and recycling collection service providers in the Capital Region.
• Residential recycling is provided by the CRD. Visit the CRD website for information on curbside recycling collection.
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)

• There is no residential waste pick up on any of the Southern Gulf Islands. Residents are welcome to use a local waste depot  
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)

• There is no residential waste pick up anywhere in the Juan de Fuca electoral area. Residents can find where to locally deposit their waste through myrecylopedia.ca  
• Capital Regional District residents may drop off garbage, recycling, and organic waste at Hartland Landfill (1 Hartland Ave.)