RDCK to offer sale of Class A compost at select sites starting Aug. 27
By Regional District of Central Kootenay
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Resource Recovery Department is excited to offer the sale of Class A compost to the public at the Ootischenia Landfill and Central (Salmo) Transfer Station starting Aug. 27, 2025.
Compost produced from the Central Compost Facility has been tested to meet Class A standards, which means the material is appropriate for use in agricultural and home gardens for food and landscaping purposes. This compost will have a minimum organic matter content of 50%, with a maximum moisture content of 40%, and is recommended as a top-dressed soil amendment for lawns and gardens.
“When we opened the Central Compost Facility in August 2023, our goal was to create a local solution that would turn food and yard waste from homes and businesses into a valuable resource,” said Tom Newell, RDCK Electoral Area F Director. “Now, two years later, we are proud to be returning that material to the community as high-quality compost that supports local gardens, farms, and landscapes. It is a perfect example of how a circular economy can work right here at home.”
Sales will be available on a first come, first serve basis during regular operating hours at these facilities, while supplies last. Compost can be self-loaded into containers and vehicles at the Ootischenia Landfill, with a maximum load per customer, per day of 1.5 cubic meters. Customers will be required to bring their own containers and shovels, and any other supplies needed to access the compost.
The price of compost is $20 per cubic meter, with a minimum charge of $5 for loads less than or equal to 0.25 cubic meters. Site staff will assess the volume of loads using standard measurement methods, and charge based on the nearest 0.25 cubic meter.
At the Central (Salmo) Transfer Station, customers can purchase compost via self-loading or in bulk. For bulk loads that exceed 1.5 cubic meters, the rate is $35 per tonne of compost. Bulk loads will require customers to have an open-bed truck, or walled trailer with a minimum capacity of 0.5 cubic meters. Customers will be required to stay in their vehicle with the vehicle shut off while they are loaded with compost by the equipment operator. Loads greater than 1.5 cubic meters will require 48-hours notice to coordinate operations.
Visit rdck.ca/organics for more information on the compost sales and product.
The RDCK is also pleased to partner with the Creston Valley Fields Forward Society, which has received approximately 250 cubic meters of compost donated by the RDCK for the purposes of publicly selling material as a fundraising activity, and for use in the development of community garden growing areas as part of the Kootenay Farms Community Garden Project. For questions about this project, or for the purchase of compost in the Creston Valley from the Fields Forward Society, please contact Tanya Wall, Executive Director: tanya@fieldsforward.ca.
Click here for hours of operation at Central (Salmo) Transfer Station and Ootischenia Landfill.
Incorporated in 1965, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is a local government that serves 60,000 residents in 11 electoral areas and nine member municipalities. The RDCK provides more than 160 services, including community facilities, fire protection and emergency services, grants, planning and land use, regional parks, resource recovery and handling, transit, water services and much more. For more information about the RDCK, visit www.rdck.ca.
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