February 26, 2026 — Residents looking to get a jump on the gardening season can count on the Sarnia Compost Site for convenient disposal of yard waste and brush starting March 2, 2026.
The City is extending the season in which the site operates, opening March 2 this year. Traditionally the site opens the first week of April. The 379 St. Andrews Street facility will be open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until mid December. The Compost Site operates as a convenient drop-off location for brush and yard waste, diverting these items from landfill. In 2025 the site accepted 8,507 metric tonnes of yard waste and brush, which is used to create compost, wood chips and mulch.
Sarnia residents can drop off yard waste and brush free of charge during business hours, provided it meets acceptability requirements. Proof of residency is required. In general, acceptable items include:
- Yard waste such as leaves; grass, or sod with dirt removed; and garden waste
- Brush, specifically trees and branches that are less than four inches in diameter, brush greater than four inches in diameter is not accepted
Items not accepted at the Compost Site include yard waste mixed with brush; brush in bags; yard waste in plastic bags; tree trunks; root balls bigger than 10 cm; soil / dirt; sand; mulch; clay; stumps; stump grindings; wood chips; stones / rocks; phragmites; hay / straw used for animal bedding; and pet feces.
Woodchips will be available for purchase at the time of opening. Payment can be made via debit or credit card. Compost will be available later in the spring season.
For more information, including costs, holiday closures, and acceptable items, please visit www.sarnia.ca/Compost.
Curbside yard-waste collection begins on alternating weeks based on zones on April 20, 2026 and runs through to December. For more information on waste collection, including special collection schedules, visit www.sarnia.ca/Waste