Backyard composting reduces climate changing emissions and returns much needed carbon back into the earth for healthy soil, trees and plants.

Looking for compost for your lawn or garden? Learn about our new compost giveaway for 2025.

The City of St. John’s, in partnership with Memorial University Botanical Garden and the MMSB, offer a free backyard composting information course both in-person and online.  

2025 In-person sessions

1-2 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Botanical Garden 306 Mount Scio Road

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10. Botanical Garden 306 Mount Scio Road

1-2 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Botanical Garden 306 Mount Scio Road

1-2 p.m. Tuesday, June 24. Botanical Garden 306 Mount Scio Road

1-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Botanical Garden 306 Mount Scio Road

1-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. Bannerman Park Pool House, 23 Bannerman Road

12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4. Geo Centre, 175 Signal Hill Road

The online course is available 24/7/365 and can be completed at a time that is convenient for you on the Memorial University Botanical Garden compost website.

For residents of St. John’s only, once the course is completed, a compost bin can be purchased at a discounted price.

Steps to purchase a compost bin:

1. Complete the online information session or attend an in-person session.
2. Email curbit@stjohns.ca a copy of your Certificate of Completion (given or emailed to you when the course is completed) along with your house number and street name.
3. Once a Case ID is provided by Curbit, pay by calling Access St. John’s at 311 (credit card only) or visit at City Hall (credit, cash or debit) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

NOTE: Currently only the 37-gallon tumbler bins are available.

37-gallon tumbler: $75 taxes included

50-gallon tumbler: $80 taxes included

Allow 7-10 business days for no-cost delivery to your address.