Concerned Composter

Dear Mabel, 

I would like to start composting but i don’t have a garden (or the space for one). Is there a place/person/organization in Lethbridge that would like extra compost?

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Hello Concerned Composter, 

What a great question! I’m sure there are a lot of folks in our city that are looking for ways to reduce their organics while we patiently wait for a green bin program to roll out in Lethbridge. 

Composting is an easy and effective way to keep food and yard waste out of the landfill. When food waste gets trapped in the landfill it breaks down and emits methane which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas.

So, how do you compost without a garden or outdoor space? There are lots of ways! To start, there are many misconceptions about compost and one of the biggest: the smell. If you’re composting correctly, you shouldn’t smell your compost which means many people are able to compost inside their homes. If you’re interested in building a “kitchen sink composter” click here! 

But if you’re not quite ready to commit to making your own bin then hey, we get it. ShareWaste is an initiative (very popular overseas) that is slowly making its way to our neck of the woods. Those who are looking for compost, looking to offload scraps, or have one available for drop off, can connect in one easy place. In Lethbridge there are only a few registered homes but with more public awareness we can get it off the ground! 

Other options for finding a home for your compost is by asking around your neighbourhood! Perhaps a neighbour has a bin you can swing by and offload your organics? Join local gardening groups; Lethbridge Seed Swap, Lethbridge Community Garden Network, Lethbridge Sustainable Living Association, and Southern Alberta Zero Waste, are all facebook groups that are focused on creating less waste and have passionate and knowledgeable composters participating regularly in conversations! 

Lethbridge also has 7 community gardens, you could get in touch with them to see if you can drop off your compost there as many of them have their own bins – they might even exchange for fresh veggies for fresh compost, but don’t hold me to that! 

Most of all, talking to your neighbours, local garden centers, or the vendors at farmers markets might be your best option for finding out your best options for efficiently disposing of your compost! 

Thanks Concerned Composter for your question. If you want to take it one step further, let your local government know you’re in support of a curbside green bin program!