New RDCK Composting Facilities Now Open for Farmers & Residents
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has opened new composting facilities, making it easier and cheaper for residents, farmers, municipalities and businesses to divert organic waste from landfills.
With new infrastructure in place, the RDCK can now accept organic waste from residential and commercial sources at four facilities: Creston Landfill, Central (Salmo) Transfer Station, Grohman Narrows Transfer Station, and Ootischenia Landfill & Transfer Station. This material is processed into Class A compost, safe for use to grow food, and made available for purchase.
For farmers in particular, the program offers both cost savings and access to high-quality compost. “If they have organic waste, fruit culls or other things like that, they can access a subsidized tipping fee of $55 a tonne for that material, versus $165 a tonne for mixed waste,” explains Matt Morrison, Organics Coordinator at the RDCK.
Finished compost is also available for purchase at highly competitive prices.“We’re selling it at $20 a cubic meter for smaller amounts, and $35 a tonne for larger volumes,” Morrison says. “That translates to about $15 a yard, very cheap in comparison to what most farmers are paying for Class A compost elsewhere.”
Beyond the financial benefits, the program supports a larger vision for sustainability.
“The main driver for the work is landfill diversion,” Morrison says. “And then, you know, benefits from that are compost creation, which contributes to the circular economy of food production.”
Currently, bulk purchases are available at the Central (Salmo) facility while supplies last, with Creston compost sold through the Fields Forward Society for 2025.
How to Participate
- Drop-off: Organics can be brought to the four RDCK facilities during regular operating hours. https://www.rdck.ca/environmental-service/environmental-services/waste-recycling/organics/
- Purchase: Learn more about compost sales at rdck.ca/compost-sales.
- Questions: Call or email Matt Morrison, Organics Coordinator: organics@rdck.bc.ca;
250-551-6647. For large loads or bookings, call 250-352-8161 (48 hours advance notice
needed for large loads), or email rrdept@rdck.ca.
