City Launches Backyard Composting Program

The City’s Sustainability Advisory Committee is thrilled to announce plans for an outdoor food waste diversion solution for residents in Kenora. 

As part of the City’s community-wide Sustainability Action Plan, community members expressed that composting is important and should be further explored. The Sustainability Advisory Committee has worked closely with municipal staff, partners, and the community to guide and implement projects outlined in the Sustainability Action Plan. Projects that focus on supporting local food production and waste reduction, including the implementation of a household composting program, are one of the sustainability themes identified in the Plan. 

This month, Kenora residents will have the opportunity to purchase a backyard composter at a subsidized price of $10 plus HST. There are 100 units available for local residents, limit one per household. 

Starting on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., residents can register online at surveymonkey.com/r/trycomposting. The composters will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, as there is a limit of 100 units available. Priority will be given to City of Kenora residents; however, if units remain, there may be an opportunity for those living in unincorporated areas to participate. 

If you are interested in reserving a backyard composting bin, you must also commit to providing feedback on your experience using the composter to the Sustainability Advisory Committee. The Committee will evaluate the feedback to develop future local composting initiatives. 

Additionally, the Sustainability Advisory Committee will host an Open House on Saturday, April 5 to help residents kick-start their backyard composting journey. During this event, residents will be able to pick up their composter and ask any questions they may have before getting started. 

We encourage residents to take part in this initiative and contribute to a more sustainable community. Be sure to watch for the online registration link at Kenora.ca and on our Facebook and Instagram on March 12.