Where residents can pick up free compost in Oakville, Burlington and Halton

The sun is out, temperatures are climbing and Oakville, Burlington and residents across Halton Region are itching to get to work on their gardens and now they can pick up just what they need to get started.

Local gardeners are now welcome to pick up free, high-quality compost for your lawn, garden, and plants. Made from all those leaves and yard waste the town or city picks up from the curbside, it is all compost now.

The compost giveaway starts Tuesday (May 7) at the Halton Waste Management Site, located on 5400 Regional Rd. 25 in Milton, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is free to all. Proof of residency is required upon pickup.

The garden dirt giveaway continues Wednesday through Saturday (May 8-11) at the same location and time. Residents can also stop by on Sunday at the Halton Waste Management Site to pick up from compost, though it will only be open from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

The compost is made of collected yard waste and leaves that are then processed into nutrient-rich, natural compost that is made available to the public in the spring and fall. Residents can pick up seven bags per household.

Residents must bring their own shovel and are responsible for shovelling and bagging their own compost. You must also bring your own containers or bags and truck or trailer for hauling off the compost.

Staff at the waste site are also accepting non-perishable food donations for Halton food banks. Cash donations are also accepted.