Sutton launches free compost program and joins dandelion challenge to boost gardening and biodiversity
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Promotional graphic from the Town of Sutton highlights the Dandelion Challenge, encouraging residents to let dandelions grow in May to support pollinators like bees. Courtesy of Sutton.
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Residents in the Town of Sutton will soon have access to free bulk compost while also being encouraged to rethink lawn care this spring, as the municipality rolls out two seasonal initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable gardening and local biodiversity.
Beginning Monday, May 4, the Town of Sutton will reopen its municipal compost pickup site near 33 Western Street, offering residents a steady supply of all-purpose compost throughout the growing season. The announcement comes alongside a renewed call for residents to participate in the Dandelion Challenge, a May-long initiative designed to protect pollinators by delaying lawn mowing.
The compost program allows residents to collect up to 100 litres per visit, provided they bring their own tools and containers. The site will be restocked twice weekly—on Mondays and Fridays around 8 a.m.—to ensure availability.
To minimize disruption to nearby residents, pickup is restricted to weekdays between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Municipal officials also advise wearing gloves when handling the compost, noting that, as a general-purpose product, it may contain small foreign materials.
In addition to the Western Street site, free compost remains available year-round at the regional écocentre in Cowansville during its regular operating hours.
Town encourages residents to delay mowing for dandelion challenge
Separately, Sutton is once again taking part in the Dandelion Challenge, marking its fourth consecutive year in the initiative. The program encourages residents and municipalities to refrain from mowing lawns during May, allowing dandelions to bloom and provide essential food for pollinators such as bees.
Municipal grass cutting will be paused across most public green spaces, with the exception of soccer and baseball fields, which will continue to be maintained.
The Dandelion Challenge is part of a broader environmental movement focused on supporting biodiversity in urban and suburban areas. By allowing early-season flowers like dandelions to flourish, participants help provide critical pollen and nectar sources at a time when other blooms are scarce.
Organizers of the initiative say the challenge has three main goals: raising awareness about the importance of pollinators, promoting environmentally friendly lawn-care practices, and fostering community participation in protecting local ecosystems.
Residents with lawns are encouraged to join the effort by simply letting dandelions grow throughout the month—an approach advocates say can have a meaningful impact on urban biodiversity while requiring minimal effort.
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