Rural Organic Waste Diversion Incentive Program
Overview
Rural Organic Waste Diversion and Climate Resilient Communities:
Program Overview
The Rural Organic Waste Diversion and Climate Resilient Communities program is designed help electoral area residents expand their organic waste diversion efforts. 100% funded by the Columbia Basin Trust, this initiative provides financial and logistical support for rural residents who want to separate organic waste from the rest of their garbage, including those who may face barriers in doing so.
The program is intended for residents of all Electoral Areas (outside of incorporated municipalities) and the following incorporated municipalities only: Kaslo, Nakusp, New Denver and Silverton, Slocan and Salmo.
Residents within the municipalities of Nelson, Castlegar, and Creston are not eligible due to access to organic waste diversion services.
Available Supports
- $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 organic waste, along with clear guidance on accepted and prohibited materials.
Eligibility and Application
Residents of all Electoral Areas and the municipalities of Kaslo, Nakusp, New Denver and Silverton, Slocan, and Salmo are eligible for the rebate. Containers and tipping tee vouchers are available for anyone in an eligible area who can self-haul their organic waste to the following sites.
- Grohman Narrows Transfer Station
- Ootischenia Landfill
- Central Salmo Transfer Station
- Creston Landfill
The rebate will be available from July 2026 through August 2027. Rebates are limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must live in an eligible area. Residents of the municipalities of Nelson, Castlegar, and Creston are not eligible.
To access the rebate, tipping fee vouchers, and/or a self-hauling container, residents must complete the survey to “pre-qualify” for these program incentives. Rebates are issued after proof-of-purchase has been received and verified. Processing rebates will take 4 to 6 weeks.
Factsheets are also available to help residents understand the effort, cost, and wildlife safety considerations associated with each eligible system. These are in the “Factsheets” tab near the top of the page.
Eligible Systems
Please review the Eligible Systems Tab and relevant Factsheets so you fully understand the effort, cost, and details of each system before making any purchases. Eligible systems include:
- Backyard Composters
- Backyard Food Waste Digesters
- Tumbler Composters
- Vermicomposting (Worm Composting Systems)
- Bokashi Fermentation
- Electric Food Recyclers (Pre-Treatment Appliances)
If you have any questions, please reach out. You can email us directly, or submit a question below. Thank you for your interest in this program!
This program is fully funded by the Columbia Basin Trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to receive the $175 rebate and/or free container and vouchers?
Please complete the application under the “Survey” tab at the top of the page. This will help confirm eligibility and provide information to help you select preferred program incentives. Once completed, assuming you are eligible, you have successfully “pre-qualified” and can go ahead with selecting and purchasing your preferred organic waste management system. Keep your receipts and submit them via email to organics@rdck.bc.ca for processing. Rebates will take 4-6 weeks to arrive via mail.
Who is eligible for this program?
All Electoral Area residents are eligible, as well as residents of the municipalities of Kaslo, Nakusp, New Denver and Silverton, Slocan, and Salmo.
Residents within the municipalities of Nelson, Castlegar and Creston are not eligible due to access to existing organic waste diversion services.
How will I know if I've successfully "pre-qualified" for the program?
By completing the application survey, you will verify that you understand the program details and consent to the collection of information necessary for staff to confirm eligibility. This is all that is required to “pre-qualify”. Once completed, you may proceed with purchasing your preferred system or arrange with staff to access your self-haul containers and/or vouchers.
Eligible Systems and Options
Eligible Systems and Options
Please note that the RDCK does not promote or endorse any specific company or supplier, and the items below are considered common, widely available examples of each system. Consumer discretion and independent review of options is recommended.
For all eligible systems, check in with local or online suppliers about potential discounts and sale periods, and verify shipping costs, warranties and other factors before making a purchase.
Backyard Composters
These systems can be found at most local hardware and household retail stores. Consider more burly bins if you are especially concerned about pests and wildlife. Commonly sold products include:
- The Earth Machine – Classic Black Barrel Composter
- FreeGarden Earth Compost Bin – Classic Barrel Composter
- Speedibin – Rat Proof Backyard Composter
Backyard Food Waste Digesters
These can be found at certain local hardware stores or be ordered online. Check in with local suppliers about availability. Commonly sold products include:
Tumbler Composters
These are commonly found at local hardware and gardening stores, as well as conventional retailers and online. Certain units are insulated and more resistant to animals, good options for year-round or composting in rural settings. Typical products include:
Vermicomposting (Worm Composting Systems)
Local and online retailers can supply premade worm bins. DIY options are described in the factsheet. Common systems include:
Bokashi Fermentation
Local and online retailers can provide materials and supplies for getting started. You can also look into DIY options. Common systems include:
Electric Food Recyclers (Pre-Treatment Appliances)
Local retail availability of these types of appliances appears to be limited. Look for reputable brands from trusted suppliers that make accurate claims about the appliance output and have good warranties or customer service. Common options include:
Factsheets
Survey
RDCK Rural Organic Waste Program Application
In order to verify eligibility and keep track of applications, we require users to create an account and be logged in.
Rural Organic Waste Diversion and Climate Resilient Communities:
Program Overview
The Rural Organic Waste Diversion and Climate Resilient Communities program is designed help electoral area residents expand their organic waste diversion efforts. 100% funded by the Columbia Basin Trust, this initiative provides financial and logistical support for rural residents who want to separate organic waste from the rest of their garbage, including those who may face barriers in doing so.
The program is intended for residents of all Electoral Areas (outside of incorporated municipalities) and the following incorporated municipalities only: Kaslo, Nakusp, New Denver and Silverton, Slocan and Salmo.
Residents within the municipalities of Nelson, Castlegar, and Creston are not eligible due to access to organic waste diversion services.
Available Supports
- $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 organic waste, along with clear guidance on accepted and prohibited materials.
Eligibility and Application
Residents of all Electoral Areas and the municipalities of Kaslo, Nakusp, New Denver and Silverton, Slocan, and Salmo are eligible for the rebate. Containers and tipping tee vouchers are available for anyone in an eligible area who can self-haul their organic waste to the following sites.
- Grohman Narrows Transfer Station
- Ootischenia Landfill
- Central Salmo Transfer Station
- Creston Landfill
The rebate will be available from July 2026 through August 2027. Rebates are limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must live in an eligible area. Residents of the municipalities of Nelson, Castlegar, and Creston are not eligible.
To access the rebate, tipping fee vouchers, and/or a self-hauling container, residents must complete the survey to “pre-qualify” for these program incentives. Rebates are issued after proof-of-purchase has been received and verified. Processing rebates will take 4 to 6 weeks.
Factsheets are also available to help residents understand the effort, cost, and wildlife safety considerations associated with each eligible system. These are in the “Factsheets” tab near the top of the page.
Eligible Systems
Please review the Eligible Systems Tab and relevant Factsheets so you fully understand the effort, cost, and details of each system before making any purchases. Eligible systems include:
- Backyard Composters
- Backyard Food Waste Digesters
- Tumbler Composters
- Vermicomposting (Worm Composting Systems)
- Bokashi Fermentation
- Electric Food Recyclers (Pre-Treatment Appliances)
If you have any questions, please reach out. You can email us directly, or submit a question below. Thank you for your interest in this program!
This program is fully funded by the Columbia Basin Trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to receive the $175 rebate and/or free container and vouchers?
Please complete the application under the “Survey” tab at the top of the page. This will help confirm eligibility and provide information to help you select preferred program incentives. Once completed, assuming you are eligible, you have successfully “pre-qualified” and can go ahead with selecting and purchasing your preferred organic waste management system. Keep your receipts and submit them via email to organics@rdck.bc.ca for processing. Rebates will take 4-6 weeks to arrive via mail.
Who is eligible for this program?
All Electoral Area residents are eligible, as well as residents of the municipalities of Kaslo, Nakusp, New Denver and Silverton, Slocan, and Salmo.
Residents within the municipalities of Nelson, Castlegar and Creston are not eligible due to access to existing organic waste diversion services.
How will I know if I've successfully "pre-qualified" for the program?
By completing the application survey, you will verify that you understand the program details and consent to the collection of information necessary for staff to confirm eligibility. This is all that is required to “pre-qualify”. Once completed, you may proceed with purchasing your preferred system or arrange with staff to access your self-haul containers and/or vouchers.
Questions
Ask a Question
You must be logged in to ask a question.
Q: can I build my own rodent-proof compost and use the rebate against the cost of building materials?
Hi there, While building your own rodent proof composter is an amazing idea, unfortunately this rebate program can't cover the cost of building materials. It would be too challenging for our staff to verify the purchased materials were indeed used for the stated project. Best of luck with this though - let us know if we can help in other ways. Email organics@rdck.bc.ca. Thanks,
Q: I live in Ootischenia, am I eligible for a free container to self haul to the local landfill.
Hi there, Yep, being in Ootischenia, which is outside Castlegar City limits, you are eligible for program incentives, including the free container (5 or 7 gallon), kitchen catcher, and tipping fee vouchers to self-haul to the landfill there. Let us know if you have any other questions! Thanks,
Q: When doing the survey it says at the bottom that we are not eligible due to being located in Castlegar. Pass Creek is not Castlegar. How do I get this corrected?
Hi there, When you are filling out the survey - for the question that asks if you "live within the municipality of Nelson, Castlegar, or Creston", make sure you've selected "No." This should fix your issue. Residents of these municipalities are not eligible, but Electoral Area residents and residents of all other municipalities can access the program. Please email us for some for some direct support if you're still having troubles with this: organics@rdck.bc.ca Thanks,
Q: I don’t compost paper towel and meat based scraps. Should I add an organic disposal system for the waste I take to the landfill?
Hello! We happily accept separated organics at our 2 landfills (Ootischenia and Creston) as well as the Grohman Narrows and Central Salmo Transfer Stations. Meat scraps, paper towels, leftovers, dairy etc. are all accepted there - and you're right, not ideal for most home composting. You can access a free container for your organic waste, as well as tipping fee vouchers and some other resources through our new incentive program. Just apply in the "Survey" tab if you haven't already. We'll be in touch to arrange distribution of these materials. At any time as well, you can dispose of 1 container of organic waste for free when you bring in any amount of mixed waste. More information on these services can be found at rdck.ca/organics. Email us directly if you have any more questions: organics@rdck.bc.ca Thanks!
Q: How do I submit receipt?
Please send your receipt via email to: organics@rdck.bc.ca A photo, scan, or forwarded email of the purchase confirmation is all that is required. The proof of purchase must clearly describe the product, to confirm it is eligible. Email us if you have further questions or troubles. Thanks,
Q: When do I get my rebate?
Hi, Thanks for the question. If you have completed the program application located in the Survey tab on the project page, then you have "pre-qualified" to access the rebate. You can go ahead and review eligible systems and options, and their factsheets, select your preferred system, make the purchase, and then submit the receipt to us via email: organics@rdck.bc.ca. We will then process the rebate, and will take 4-6 weeks before you receive a cheque in the mail. Email us directly if you have further questions. Thanks,
Q: So I did the survey... do I wait until I hear back if I qualify or what is the procedure now?
Hi there, It appears the email notification system confirming people's responses isn't working at the moment. But there is a message when you complete the survey on the page letting you know if has been received. If you've completed the survey and are eligible for program supports, please review the project page, including eligible systems and options for the rebates. If you are interested in self-haul containers and tipping fee vouchers, we will be in touch to arrange distribution once those are available (in the coming 2 weeks or so). Thanks for your interest in this program! Best, Matt
Q: I live in the 6 Mile area of Nelson, am I edible to apply for a rebate for purchasing an electric food recycler!
Hi there, Please review the project page and complete the application survey to verify your eligibility in terms of where you live and the options for the rebate. Take a look at the Eligible Systems and Options tab for some potential electric food recyclers. Thank you,
Ask a Question
You must be logged in to ask a question.
Q: can I build my own rodent-proof compost and use the rebate against the cost of building materials?
Hi there, While building your own rodent proof composter is an amazing idea, unfortunately this rebate program can't cover the cost of building materials. It would be too challenging for our staff to verify the purchased materials were indeed used for the stated project. Best of luck with this though - let us know if we can help in other ways. Email organics@rdck.bc.ca. Thanks,
Q: I live in Ootischenia, am I eligible for a free container to self haul to the local landfill.
Hi there, Yep, being in Ootischenia, which is outside Castlegar City limits, you are eligible for program incentives, including the free container (5 or 7 gallon), kitchen catcher, and tipping fee vouchers to self-haul to the landfill there. Let us know if you have any other questions! Thanks,
Q: When doing the survey it says at the bottom that we are not eligible due to being located in Castlegar. Pass Creek is not Castlegar. How do I get this corrected?
Hi there, When you are filling out the survey - for the question that asks if you "live within the municipality of Nelson, Castlegar, or Creston", make sure you've selected "No." This should fix your issue. Residents of these municipalities are not eligible, but Electoral Area residents and residents of all other municipalities can access the program. Please email us for some for some direct support if you're still having troubles with this: organics@rdck.bc.ca Thanks,
Q: I don’t compost paper towel and meat based scraps. Should I add an organic disposal system for the waste I take to the landfill?
Hello! We happily accept separated organics at our 2 landfills (Ootischenia and Creston) as well as the Grohman Narrows and Central Salmo Transfer Stations. Meat scraps, paper towels, leftovers, dairy etc. are all accepted there - and you're right, not ideal for most home composting. You can access a free container for your organic waste, as well as tipping fee vouchers and some other resources through our new incentive program. Just apply in the "Survey" tab if you haven't already. We'll be in touch to arrange distribution of these materials. At any time as well, you can dispose of 1 container of organic waste for free when you bring in any amount of mixed waste. More information on these services can be found at rdck.ca/organics. Email us directly if you have any more questions: organics@rdck.bc.ca Thanks!
Q: How do I submit receipt?
Please send your receipt via email to: organics@rdck.bc.ca A photo, scan, or forwarded email of the purchase confirmation is all that is required. The proof of purchase must clearly describe the product, to confirm it is eligible. Email us if you have further questions or troubles. Thanks,
Q: When do I get my rebate?
Hi, Thanks for the question. If you have completed the program application located in the Survey tab on the project page, then you have "pre-qualified" to access the rebate. You can go ahead and review eligible systems and options, and their factsheets, select your preferred system, make the purchase, and then submit the receipt to us via email: organics@rdck.bc.ca. We will then process the rebate, and will take 4-6 weeks before you receive a cheque in the mail. Email us directly if you have further questions. Thanks,
Q: So I did the survey... do I wait until I hear back if I qualify or what is the procedure now?
Hi there, It appears the email notification system confirming people's responses isn't working at the moment. But there is a message when you complete the survey on the page letting you know if has been received. If you've completed the survey and are eligible for program supports, please review the project page, including eligible systems and options for the rebates. If you are interested in self-haul containers and tipping fee vouchers, we will be in touch to arrange distribution once those are available (in the coming 2 weeks or so). Thanks for your interest in this program! Best, Matt
Q: I live in the 6 Mile area of Nelson, am I edible to apply for a rebate for purchasing an electric food recycler!
Hi there, Please review the project page and complete the application survey to verify your eligibility in terms of where you live and the options for the rebate. Take a look at the Eligible Systems and Options tab for some potential electric food recyclers. Thank you,
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Contact Options
Project Area
- Kaslo
- Nakusp
- New Denver and Silverton
- Slocan
- Salmo
