If you can eat it, you can compost it. Some materials that have been soiled by food and water, such as cardboard or paper, also go into the brown bin. Take the time to check the list. Everything you compost makes a real difference.

• Check the list of accepted materials

Having a mini-bin in the kitchen or dining room is really helpful. Placing mini-bin elsewhere in your home, such as in the bathroom, will help you remember other compostable materials, like Kleenex.

• Where to put your compost mini-bin

Worried about bad smells and fruit flies? Find out ways to keep them at bay.

• Get tips and tricks for using your brown bin

Food waste collections take place once a week all year long for any building where brown bins have been provided.

• Get your neighbourhood's pickup schedule

If you do not have a brown bin, you can request one. If your bin is damaged, you can have it repaired, or even replaced if it is not repairable.

• Request a brown bin
• Have a brown bin repaired

The difference between these 2 collections is due to the different operations at the 2 processing centres where your materials are sent.

In 15 boroughs, the food waste and green waste collections are separate.

• Find out how the food waste collection works

In 4 other boroughs, there is a single organic waste collection that includes both green waste and food waste.

• Find out how the organic waste collection works

Thanks to your participation in the brown bin collection each week, the city produces its own compost. This nutrient-rich material improves the health of soil and plants.

• Discover the compost centre in western Montréal