The hum of anticipation is almost audible at first light as shovels and boots converge on Orillia’s compost pick-up sites. Here, under the open sky and among neighbours, a modest mountain of nutrient-rich earth promises transformation for gardens and grass strips alike. But time—and supply—are running short.
Each summer, Orillia’s compost program opens the gates to residents eager for a share of the city’s “black gold”. This initiative, born from the city’s green bin and yard waste efforts, turns yesterday’s peelings and clippings into the lifeblood of tomorrow’s tomato beds. Compost—organic matter broken down to enrich soil—is both a symbol and a product of communal effort. This year, two locations serve as the program’s epicentre: the Waste Diversion Site at 100 Kitchener Street, and, for the first time, Morningstar Park at 1125 Mississaga Street West. The latter, a newcomer, is already drawing an early crowd.
For those keen to claim their share, the process is simple but not without quirks. Bring your own shovel and containers. Residents must load their own compost, with city staff stepping in only for larger, commercial collections. There are no pre-filled bags, no drive-thru services—just a pile, the weight of your ambition, and the elbow grease you’re willing to supply. It’s as close to a community ritual as Orillia gets in late July.
Yet the clock is ticking. The giveaway is scheduled to run until August 30, but, as every seasoned gardener knows, “while supplies last” is the real deadline. According to city officials, compost is no longer available at Kitchener Park, a detail that’s tripped up a few regulars. So, for those plotting a quick run, best to skip the old haunt.
Beyond the logistics, this annual event is a nod to the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and resourcefulness. Free compost is not only a practical windfall—it’s a reminder of what can be achieved when a community invests in sustainability. For now, the piles are there, waiting. They won’t be for long.
References:
Grab your shovel and load up free compost in Orillia
