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Compost Depots

Compost Depots set to open on Monday, April 15

Residents are invited to drop off leaves, grass, sod, topsoil, garden refuse, Halloween pumpkins, and non-elm branches, stumps and tree trimmings free of charge. For an annual fee, businesses can also access the two depots. 

Compost and mulch from Saskatoon's Compost Depots are used to keep Saskatoon parks and community gardens healthy and beautiful.  Compost depots are open yearly from mid-April to early November. 

 What you can expect from us

  1. Watch this short clip of the compost and mulch loading stations.
  2. Saskatoon citizens can now get high quality, nutrient-rich compost and mulch to use for healthy household lawns and gardens free at the west side compost depot while supplies last.  
  3. The west compost depot is located at Highway 7 at 11th Street 
  4. Open 7 days a week, including Statutory holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
  5. Vehicles are not admitted after 5:50 p.m.  Please allow time to pick up your compost and mulch before the gates close at 6:00 p.m.
  6. Citizens can pick up 1 cubic yard of compost for free.  
  7. Bulk quantities are also available for a fee (call 306-975-2486 for more information and to book an appointment).

 How you can help us

  1. This is a self-serve depot.  Remember to bring your own shovels, containers and muscles! 
  2. Make sure to cover your compost when transporting it from on City streets (Waste Bylaw #8310).
  3. Tell your friends and family.

The City of Saskatoon makes no representations or warranties with respect to any compost, mulch, topsoil, fire logs, or other material.  People using these products have the responsibility to inspect any material before taking possession of it.   By entering into the compost depot and/or taking possession of any material from the compost depot, you acknowledge the City of Saskatoon will not be liable for any damages or injuries that may occur, and you waive any claims that may arise as a result.

West – Highway 7 Compost Depot - 1.8 kilometres south of 22nd Street

  • Open 7 days a week, including statutory holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Vehicles will not be admitted after 5:50 p.m.
  • Compost and mulch loading closes at 5:30 p.m.
  • All dump trucks and tip trailers must use the West Highway 7 Compost Depot. 

East – Highway 5 Compost Depot

  • Open 5 days a week, Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Vehicles will not be admitted after 4:50 p.m., thank you for your cooperation.
  • Extended hours are provided on Thursdays until 7:00 p.m. until August 30. As of September 1, vehicles will not be admitted after 4:50 p.m.
  • Dump trucks and tip trailers will not be accepted at the East Compost Depot.
Important information for commercial haulers

All commercial haulers are required to register with the City of Saskatoon in order to access the Compost Depots. The registration fee is $150.00 for each business vehicle. All dump trucks and tip trailers must use the West Highway 7 Compost Depot. These loads will not be accepted at the East Compost Depot.

You may print the Commercial Compost Haulers Registration form for payment at City Hall (cash, cheque or debit accepted) or register online.

If you have any questions, please contact the Customer Service Line at 306-975-2486.

Acceptable items

Residents can drop off these materials for free: leaves, grass, sod, topsoil, garden refuse, Halloween pumpkins, and non-elm branches, stumps and tree trimmings.

The following materials are NOT accepted at the compost depots: elm wood, sawdust, treated and untreated lumber, building materials (stone, brick, clay, sand, gravel, concrete, asphalt, etc.), animal litter and feces, garbage, and any other waste product. Food waste is NOT accepted for drop off at the compost depots.  

Important information about Elm

Elm branches, limbs, logs, or stumps can only be disposed of at the landfill and are not to be transported to the compost depots at any time of year.  Fallen elm leaves are acceptable at the compost depot.

Any mixed load with even small quantities of elm branches, limbs, logs or stumps will be turned away.

And please remember, it is illegal to cut or prune elm from April 1 to August 31.

Learn more about Dutch Elm Disease and proper elm disposal and pruning from the City of Saskatoon's Dutch Elm Disease page, Government of Saskatchewan, or SOS Elms.

Benefits of Compost

Compost is ready-to-use organic matter that is used to replace much-needed nutrients in the soil. Composting works as bacteria and fungi break down organic matter, such as food, leaves, grass, and other plant materials. These tiny creatures occur naturally in our soils and yard waste. The City of Saskatoon’s compost depots provide ideal conditions for these microscopic organisms to do their work. The happier the bugs are, the better the compost piles work to break down your organic material into a very valuable soil amendment.

Compost and mulch from Saskatoon's Compost Depots is used to keep Saskatoon parks and community gardens healthy and beautiful.

Want to learn more about composting? Visit our home composting page.