How to Get Your Free Compost
Compost is nature’s way of recycling! This rich, dark soil amendment helps gardens and landscapes thrive. Adding compost to your soil improves structure, boosts nutrients, helps retain moisture, and supports healthy root growth.
The District offers one (1) cubic yard of certified compost free of charge per household, typically beginning each March and continuing throughout the year while supply lasts.
Compost is available by appointment only. Shovels are provided on site, but residents must be able to load and transport the compost themselves.
To schedule a pickup, please contact our Field Operations Manager, Troy Taylor, at 219-337-8341 or email [email protected].
Interested in where our compost comes from and how our facility operates? Read the next section!
The District offers one (1) cubic yard of certified compost free of charge per household, typically beginning each March and continuing throughout the year while supply lasts.
Compost is available by appointment only. Shovels are provided on site, but residents must be able to load and transport the compost themselves.
To schedule a pickup, please contact our Field Operations Manager, Troy Taylor, at 219-337-8341 or email [email protected].
Interested in where our compost comes from and how our facility operates? Read the next section!
How We Compost
At our Gary, IN Compost Facility, we compost leaves collected through our Leaf Collection Program , which services various unincorporated areas of Lake County. Currently, the District operates 5 leaf vacuums that collect leaves in the fall and drop them off at our facility.
Once the leaves are dropped off at our site, they are placed in windrows where they will begin their decomposition. These leaves are closely monitored so that our staff can determine the appropriate internal temperature to begin turning them.
When the leaves reach an internal temperature of 130 to 140 degrees, they enter a baking stage. Within this temperature range, the leaves are turned a minimum of 5 times. This ensures proper and even breakdown of the organic material.
The windrows are eventually grinded using a horizontal grinder, then screened using a Trommel screen to remove impurities. This screening process produces Grade A compost, which the District then sells to local municipalities and landscaping companies. Compost samples are sent to A&L Great Lakes Laboratory where it is tested to ensure it is top quality compost.
Once the leaves are dropped off at our site, they are placed in windrows where they will begin their decomposition. These leaves are closely monitored so that our staff can determine the appropriate internal temperature to begin turning them.
When the leaves reach an internal temperature of 130 to 140 degrees, they enter a baking stage. Within this temperature range, the leaves are turned a minimum of 5 times. This ensures proper and even breakdown of the organic material.
The windrows are eventually grinded using a horizontal grinder, then screened using a Trommel screen to remove impurities. This screening process produces Grade A compost, which the District then sells to local municipalities and landscaping companies. Compost samples are sent to A&L Great Lakes Laboratory where it is tested to ensure it is top quality compost.
Compost for Businesses
Compost is available for purchase by businesses or local municipalities who are tax exempt.
Businesses wishing to purchase compost will need to complete the Compost Purchase Request Form. A valid tax exempt number is required.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Field Operations Manager Troy Taylor at 219-337-8341 or email [email protected] .
Businesses wishing to purchase compost will need to complete the Compost Purchase Request Form. A valid tax exempt number is required.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Field Operations Manager Troy Taylor at 219-337-8341 or email [email protected] .