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.  

2026 In-person sessions

Upcoming in person sessions (pre-registration is not required):

• MUN Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Road: Saturday, May 2 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
• MUN Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Road: Saturday, May 30 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Online sessions are available at any time by visiting the MUN Botanical Garden 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.

37-gallon tumbler: $75 taxes included

50-gallon tumbler: $80 taxes included

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