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.
Backyard Composter Program Resident Guide
The Backyard Composter Program Resident Guide provides helpful information on how to use and maintain your backyard composter, what materials can be composted, and tips for successful at‑home composting. Whether you are new to composting or looking for best practices, this guide is designed to support residents in managing food scraps at home and reducing organic waste sent to landfill.
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.
