FREE MULCH IS AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW — HERE'S HOW TO GET IT
If you've been spending money on bagged mulch at the garden centre, you might want to stop. Residents of Tiny, Penetanguishene, and Midland can pick up free mulch at a local transfer station — no cost, no catch.
WHAT'S THE DEAL?
The North Simcoe Transfer Station offers free mulch to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. The mulch is made from chipped yard waste and brush collected from the area, turning what would otherwise be a disposal problem into a genuinely useful resource for gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners.
WHY MULCH MATTERS
Mulch is one of the hardest-working materials in any garden or yard. A layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds:
- Retains moisture, reducing how often you need to water
- Suppresses weeds, saving you hours of pulling and digging
- Regulates soil temperature, protecting roots from heat in summer and frost in spring and fall
- Improves soil health as it breaks down over time, feeding the organisms that keep your garden productive
- Reduces erosion on slopes and around bare patches
At garden centres, quality mulch can run anywhere from $6 to $10 per bag — and a single garden bed can take a dozen bags or more. Free mulch from the transfer station can save you a significant amount, especially if you're covering a large area.
WHERE TO GO
North Simcoe Transfer Station
1700 Golf Link Road, Tiny, ON L0L 2J0
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The station is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.
TIPS BEFORE YOU GO
Bring your own containers or a truck. The mulch is available in bulk, so you'll want a pickup truck, trailer, or at minimum a good supply of bins and buckets. A tarp to cover your load on the drive home is also a smart idea.
Bring a shovel. You'll likely be loading the mulch yourself, so come prepared with a square-headed shovel or scoop.
Call ahead if you're unsure. Availability can vary depending on how recently material has been processed. A quick call before making the trip is worth it if you're driving any distance.
Apply it right. Spread mulch two to four inches deep around plants, keeping it a few inches away from the base of tree trunks and shrub stems to prevent rot and pest issues.
A WIN FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY
Programs like this are a smart use of local resources. Yard waste gets collected, chipped, and put back into the community instead of sitting in a landfill. Residents get a free, practical material for their properties. It's a straightforward loop that benefits everyone.
If you've been putting off that landscaping project because of the cost of materials, this is a good reason to get it done.
CHEAP COMPOST
Compost sales are self‑service, and residents should bring their own containers and shovels to load bins, truck beds, or trailers. Pricing is $5 per carload, $20 per truck or trailer load, and $40 per truck‑and‑trailer load, while quantities last.
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The North Simcoe Transfer Station is located at 1700 Golf Link Road, Tiny, and is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
