Chatham-Kent Organic Waste Diversion Program

Chatham-Kent Council has approved the Organic Waste Diversion Program following the completion of a comprehensive feasibility study and public engagement process. The program is designed to meet regulatory requirements, enhance waste diversion efforts, and provide long-term environmental benefits to the community.

The approved program consists of the following components:

1. Backyard Composter Program – Launch in April 2026

Chatham-Kent is launching the Backyard Composter Program, the first phase of the Municipality’s Organic Waste Diversion Program, starting April 2026.

The program supports residents in reducing household waste by composting food scraps at home. Through this initiative, eligible residents can purchase a subsidized backyard composter and receive practical guidance on how to use it effectively.

Program highlights:

  • Subsidized backyard composters available to Chatham-Kent residents
  • Capacity: 11 ft³ (311.5 litres)
  • Size: approximately 33 inches high × 31 inches wide
  • Sale price: $20 per unit (HST included)
  • Composters will be sold in person at participating municipal service centres
    • Chatham Civic Centre
    • Blenheim Municipal Office
    • Dresden Municipal Office
    • Ridgetown Municipal Office
    • Tilbury Municipal Office
    • Wallaceburg Municipal Office
  • Composters may also be purchased over the phone through Customer Service
  • Same-day pickup at the point of sale or designated municipal service centre

The Backyard Composter Program focuses on diverting organic waste from landfill, supporting waste reduction at the source, and building awareness of composting practices across the community.

2. Standardized Curbside Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Program – Implementation in Spring of 2027

Curbside collection of leaf and yard waste will be expanded and standardized across urban curbside communities. Collection will occur bi-weekly from April to November, with additional collections for natural Christmas trees in January.

3. Depot Food Waste Digester Pilot Program – Implementation in 2028

This one-year pilot project will introduce a food waste digester at the Harwich Waste Depot, which will accept source separated food waste.

Contingent on the success of this pilot, the expansion of the program to other waste depots will be assessed.

Further updates will be provided as the program is implemented. Additional information and reports are available in the "Important Links" section.

Chatham-Kent Council has approved the Organic Waste Diversion Program following the completion of a comprehensive feasibility study and public engagement process. The program is designed to meet regulatory requirements, enhance waste diversion efforts, and provide long-term environmental benefits to the community.

The approved program consists of the following components:

1. Backyard Composter Program – Launch in April 2026

Chatham-Kent is launching the Backyard Composter Program, the first phase of the Municipality’s Organic Waste Diversion Program, starting April 2026.

The program supports residents in reducing household waste by composting food scraps at home. Through this initiative, eligible residents can purchase a subsidized backyard composter and receive practical guidance on how to use it effectively.

Program highlights:

  • Subsidized backyard composters available to Chatham-Kent residents
  • Capacity: 11 ft³ (311.5 litres)
  • Size: approximately 33 inches high × 31 inches wide
  • Sale price: $20 per unit (HST included)
  • Composters will be sold in person at participating municipal service centres
    • Chatham Civic Centre
    • Blenheim Municipal Office
    • Dresden Municipal Office
    • Ridgetown Municipal Office
    • Tilbury Municipal Office
    • Wallaceburg Municipal Office
  • Composters may also be purchased over the phone through Customer Service
  • Same-day pickup at the point of sale or designated municipal service centre

The Backyard Composter Program focuses on diverting organic waste from landfill, supporting waste reduction at the source, and building awareness of composting practices across the community.

2. Standardized Curbside Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Program – Implementation in Spring of 2027

Curbside collection of leaf and yard waste will be expanded and standardized across urban curbside communities. Collection will occur bi-weekly from April to November, with additional collections for natural Christmas trees in January.

3. Depot Food Waste Digester Pilot Program – Implementation in 2028

This one-year pilot project will introduce a food waste digester at the Harwich Waste Depot, which will accept source separated food waste.

Contingent on the success of this pilot, the expansion of the program to other waste depots will be assessed.

Further updates will be provided as the program is implemented. Additional information and reports are available in the "Important Links" section.

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Page last updated: 11 Mar 2026, 02:39 PM