Compost Giveaway - Curb It St. John's

Giveaway Information

Beginning on Earth Day Tuesday, April 22, 2025 compost is available for pick up by residents in the Residential Drop Off (RDO) at the Robin Hood Bay Waste Management Facility, 340 East White Hills Road.

Compost is available when the RDO is open, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.

Residents must use the RDO entrance, bring their own buckets and shovel to load the compost, and all loads must be covered and secured before leaving the site.

City of St. John’s compost is made from yard waste collected from residents at the curb in St. John’s or dropped off at the Residential Drop Off; pumpkins from the City’s annual Pumpkin Walk are also added. The compost is made at the Robin Hood Bay Waste Management Facility using an open (aerobic) composting method.

We’ve been collecting and composting this since 2018 and there is LOTS of compost – we don’t expect to run out so no need to rush to get some on the first day!

This compost is rich in organic matter: it enriches plant mixes and enhances the growth of turf, ornamental plants, vegetables and fruit trees. The compost was tested by an accredited lab and was shown to have no high levels of heavy metals or other unsuitable elements and is safe and suitable for residential application uses. While the composting process does generate enough heat to kill weeds, we cannot guarantee the compost is weed free as we compost at an outdoor location.

How to Get City of St. John’s Compost

City of St. John’s compost is self-serve and mechanical equipment is not permitted. Bring your own tools and supplies to collect the compost you need.

Bring:

Shovel
Gloves
Buckets/pails/containers
For open trucks or trailers, you will be required to cover and secure your load before leaving the site.
On windy days consider wearing a dust mask and protective eyewear.

How to Use Compost

Compost adds organic matter, nutrients and microbes to soil. It balances pH and helps with soil structure, porosity and moisture retention.

Use a little, not a lot. Compost is like a slow-release fertilizer. Use 1 part compost for every 3 parts soil for best results.
Mix compost with soil. You should not plant directly into pure compost.
For topdressing and mulch, spread a thin layer of finished compost on the garden, around plants or on a lawn. Compost will slowly mix into the soil, adding nutrients for plant roots.
Wear protective gloves and wash hands after use.