The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) in the top Northeastern corner of the province is an expansive area made up of many small communities spread over 85,000km2 of land. It is also the location of a successful vermicompost system which facilitates the composting of organics into premium-quality soil enhancer which can be applied right back to the land!
Originally championed by a local citizen (and vermicomposting aficionado,) the NRRM launched a municipal vermicompost trial project in 2017. Using worms, the vermicomposting process transforms waste into fertilizer in about half the time of standard composting. The trial project was hugely successful and the NRRM has been managing green waste through their full-scale vermicompost system since 2019.
The entire vermicompost process occurs locally, allowing the Northern Rockies region to not only divert typical organics such as food and yard waste but also uses paper and cardboard as part of the process which would normally be long hauled south to a recycling plant. While occurring in open air without the requirement for heated buildings or fancy equipment, vermicomposting is an extremely energy efficient process. Additionally, the process turns would-be garbage into Grade A composting – creating its own circular economy!
If you are in the area and interested in participating in green waste diversion, check out Vermicomposting in the Northern Rockies and take your green waste to designated green bins at the Fort Nelson Landfill free-of-charge!
With the northern climate and the remote nature of the area, the Northern Rockies Vermicompost is a true accomplishment in locally organic waste management!
