Composting

What can go into a backyard composter?

Fruit and veggie waste, coffee grounds and filters, rice, pasta, bread, paper towels, eggshells, tea bags, leaves, and dried grass.

What can't go into a backyard composter?

Fish, meat, poultry, bones, dairy products, oils and large amounts of grass are not suitable for backyard composters.

What maintenance is recommended?

Fruit and veggie waste should be mixed into the existing contents of the compost to increase the oxygen content, which accelerates the composting. Once mixing is complete the top layer should be covered with a layer of dried leaves or soil.

• SPRING: stir well and add some soil to kick-start the compost. Dig out any finished compost from the bottom to use in your lawn or garden.
• SUMMER: Stir contents frequently, cover with leaves or soil, and add water if it looks dry.
• FALL: Clean out your compost and dig the finished material into your garden. Stockpile some leaves to use in your compost for the rest of the year.
• WINTER: Add compostable material as needed and let it fill up, once spring comes the level will drop rapidly.

Where should I put my composter?

The best location is a convenient spot for your use; somewhere sunny and easy to access in all seasons. A well-drained spot is ideal, and the grass can be cut out beneath the composter to invite worms and microbes in.

Will a backyard composter be an animal attractant?

Compost can be just as much of an animal or bear attractant as garbage and needs to be properly managed to minimize the risk. The best way to keep compost odour at a minimum is to aerate it regularly and add up to three times the amount of “browns” to “greens”.

Browns include dead leaves, fine wood chips, sawdust and low-quality household paper products that are shredded or cut up, like tissue paper, paper towels, newspaper, or paper bags.

Greens include kitchen scraps, vegetables, and small amounts of fruits.

Do NOT put fish, meat, poultry, bones, dairy products, oils or large amounts of grass into backyard composters.

Aeration means stirring it up, the oxygen keeps the microbes that accelerate the composting process healthy.

You can also add garden soil to new compost to ensure the microbes that are needed are available.

If you are still uncomfortable with composting at home, you can reach out to the South Cariboo Sustainability Society, in the 100 Mile House area, the Potato House Project in the Williams Lake area and the Baker Creek Enhancement Society in the Quesnel area to inquire about local drop off locations for compost. 

100 Mile House

Who: Cariboo Regional District and District of 100 Mile House residents

What: Composter and counter-top containers

Where: Cariboo Regional District Office, Unit 3 - 170 Cedar Avenue, 100 Mile House

When: **Subscribe to this page below for updates on the next time they will be available**

Quesnel

Who: Cariboo Regional District and City of Quesnel residents

What: Composter and counter-top containers

Where: Cariboo Regional District office, #102 - 410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel

When: **Subscribe to this page below for updates on the next time they will be available**

Williams Lake

Who: Cariboo Regional District and City of Williams Lake residents

What: Composter and counter-top containers

Where: Cariboo Regional District office, Suite D - 180 North Third Avenue, Williams Lake

When: **Subscribe to this page below for updates on the next time they will be available**