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Compost Depots

compost depot

Compost Depots closed for the season

The two compost depots welcomed over 64,000 vehicles in the 2021 season. The west depot shredded approximately 3000 tonnes of wood into mulch and produced approximately 7,500 tonnes of finished screened compost that will be made available to Saskatoon parks, community gardens, the Dig-Your-Own program, and for bulk purchase.

Thank you for diverting your organic waste from the landfill and helping Saskatoon move closer to its 70% waste diversion target.

The depots will re-open in April 2022.

    The City's two Compost Depots are open yearly from mid-spring to early November.  Residents and commercial haulers can drop off leaves, grass, sod, topsoil, garden refuse, pumpkins, and non-elm branches, stumps and tree trimmings. This helps keep yard waste out of the Landfill and produces high quality, nutrient-rich product that is used to keep Saskatoon parks and community gardens healthy and beautiful. 

    Residents can access the Compost Depots at no cost.​ Commercial Haulers can access the Compost Depots for an annual fee. Please fill out the registration form for payment at City Hall (cash, cheque or debit accepted) or register online.

    East Compost Depot

    • Highway 5 (at the junction of Highway 41 and Zimmerman)
    • CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
    • Seasonal Hours: Open 5 days a week, Thursday through Monday, including statutory holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This location is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
      • Vehicles will not be admitted after 4:50 p.m.
      • 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.

    West Compost Depot

    Dig-Your-Own Compost & Mulch

    • Only available at the West Compost Depot.
    • Residents can get nutrient-rich compost and mulch to use for their lawns and gardens.
    • Compost meets all Compost Council of Canada requirements. Rehydration of the finished compost is required following placement on garden, flowerbed or lawn.
    • Residents can pick up 1 cubic yard of compost and mulch for free. Limited quantities are available. 
    • ​Bulk quantities are also available for a fee (call 306-975-2486 for more information and to book an appointment).
    • This is a self-serve depot.  Remember to bring your own shovels, containers and muscles! 
    • Make sure to cover your material when transporting it on City streets (Waste Bylaw #8310). 


     


    Accepted Items

    The following materials ARE accepted:

    • Leaves
    • Grass
    • Sod
    • Topsoil
    • Garden refuse
    • Halloween pumpkins
    • Non-elm branches, stumps and tree trimmings

    The following materials are NOT accepted:

    • 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.  

    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 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. For orders placed online, please print of your confirmation email and present it at the compost depot as proof-of-purchase to obtain your entry permit.

    Questions can be directed to our Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2486.

    Important information about Elm

    Elm branches, limbs, logs, or stumps are not accepted at City compost depots and must be disposed of at the landfill. Please note the size requirements for landfilling tree waste here.

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

    IMPORTANT REMINDER: 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 valuable soil amendment.

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

    Learn more about composting at Saskatoon.ca/homecomposting.

    ​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.