Abstract: The feasibility of using composts of sewage sludge and refuse as medium for sapling cultivation in containers was studied. During the four months experiment, growth response was measured by using seed germination rate, sapling growth rate, physique index and chlorophyll content in the leaves as its indicators. The results showed that the composts significantly stimulated the growth of the saplings, increased the chlorophyll content in the leaves, and prolonged the growing period of the leaves, as compared with the CK. The composts of sewage sludge and refuse can partly substitute for peat as medium for sapling cultivation in containers. The optimum proportion of the composts was proposed to be sewage sludge compost∶peat=1∶1 and refuse compost∶peat=1∶1 in volume. The salinity of the media was the major factor affecting seed germination, more on coniferous trees than on broadleaf trees. The soluble salt contained in the media should be leached before the media are used for sapling cultivation.