Chatham-Kent is moving forward with a multi-year Organic Waste Diversion Program to reduce the amount of food and organic waste sent to landfill. Council approved the program components through the Feasibility Study recommendations.
The program includes:
- A backyard composter program, launching in April 2026
- An standardized curbside leaf and yard waste collection program, starting in 2027
A depot food waste digester pilot program, beginning in 2028
For background documents and project updates, visit the Let's Talk Chatham-Kent | Organic Waste engagement page.
Backyard Composter Program (Launching April 2026)
Residents can purchase a subsidized backyard composter for $20 (HST included). The unit is approximately 33" high × 31" wide with a capacity of 11 ft³ (311.5 L).
Where to buy:
- Chatham Civic Centre
- Blenheim Municipal Office
- Dresden Municipal Office
- Ridgetown Municipal Office
- Tilbury Municipal Office
- Wallaceburg Municipal Office
- Or purchase by phone by calling 311 via Customer Service
Why compost at home?
Backyard composting lets you turn food scraps and yard materials into nutrient-rich soil, reducing garbage and creating a useful product for gardening.
Composting Booklets for Kids
These Recycle Coach activity booklets help children learn about composting in fun and engaging ways:
Standardized Curbside Leaf & Yard Waste Collection (Starting Spring 2027)
- Curbside leaf and yard waste collection will be standardized across urban curbside communities.
- Collection will take place bi‑weekly from April to November.
- Additional curbside pickups of natural Christmas trees will occur in January.
Depot Food Waste Digester Pilot (2028)
A one-year pilot at the Harwich Waste Depot will test a commercial food waste digester for source-separated food scraps. Findings will inform expansion to other depots.
