RDCK to assist rural residents with composting

Rebates available for a number of different food diversion options

RDCK to assist rural residents with composting Published 5:40 am Sunday, July 12, 2026 Rural residents of the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) are now eligible for rebates of up to $175 per household for the purchase of composting systems. While residents of larger centres in the district, such as Nelson, Castlegar and Creston have municipal waste diversion services, residents of smaller communities and rural areas do not. The Rural Organic Waste Diversion and Climate Resilient Communities project, funded by Columbia Basin Trust, provides financial and practical support for residents living outside the RDCK’s larger municipalities to better manage food and organic waste at home.

Options for composting can include backyard composers, food waste digesters, tumbler composer’s, vermicomposting systems, Bokashi kits, and electric food recyclers. Residents in RDCK electoral areas and eligible municipalities can access: • $175 rebate per household toward the purchase of an eligible organic waste management system, such as a backyard composter or electric food recycler. • Free organic waste collection containers for residents who self-haul organic waste to RDCK disposal facilities.

• Tipping fee vouchers that allow for free disposal of containers of food waste, along with clear guidance on accepted and prohibited materials. Rebates will be available until August 2027.

To apply, simply go to engage.rdck.ca/projects/ruralorganics and take a short survey to confirm eligibility and receive guidance on what the best composting option might be for your needs. “The RDCK is committed to helping residents reduce what goes to landfill while building solutions that work in rural settings,” said Alayne Hamilton, RDCK acting resource recovery manager, in a media release. “This program makes it easier for households to take action, whether they’re new to composting or looking to improve their current approach.”