Garbage and Recycling

3100 55th Street, Fort Nelson | P: 250.774.7194

A typical residential load, such as the back of a pickup, is charged a flat rate of $5. Commercial loads are a flat rate of $10. Please refer to the Landfill Tipping Fees and Regulations Bylaw for further information on guidelines and fees associated with using the landfill.

The NRRM proudly hosts a successful vermicompost (worm-composting) system which facilitates the composting of organics into premium-quality soil enhancer! Green waste can be dropped off at the landfill in designated green bins free-of-charge. 

Originally championed by a local citizen (and vermicomposting aficionado,) the NRRM launched the 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 actively diverting green waste from the landfill through the 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!

With the northern climate and the remote nature of the area, the Northern Rockies Vermicompost is a true accomplishment in locally organic waste management!  

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.  For more information about their initatives, visit Canada.ca - Environment and Climate Change.

Northern Rockies Vermicompost Program Guidelines:

Grass & Leaves (Yard Waste):

1. Grass Clippings:

   - Acceptable: Grass clippings from lawns.

   - Not Acceptable: Grass clippings mixed with synthetic turf, plastic, or other contaminants.

2. Leaves:

   -Acceptable: Leaves from trees and plants.

   - Not Acceptable: Leaves mixed with plastic, metal, or other non-biodegradable materials.

3. Garden Waste:

   - Acceptable: Plant trimmings and garden waste.

   - Not Acceptable: Garden waste contaminated with synthetic turf, plastic, or other contaminants.

4. Spent Flower Baskets (not plastic pot):

   - Acceptable: Spent flower baskets without plastic pots.

   - Not Acceptable: Spent flower baskets with plastic pots.

5. Feathers / Hair:

   - Acceptable: Feathers and hair.

   - Not Acceptable: Feathers or hair treated with chemicals harmful to worms.

Wood Waste:

1. 3” Diameter or Less Unprocessed:

   - Acceptable: Unprocessed wood with a diameter of 3 inches or less.

   - Not Acceptable: Processed, treated, or painted wood.

2. Trimmed Branches & Bushes:

   - Acceptable: Trimmed branches and bushes.

   - Not Acceptable: Branches treated with chemicals harmful to worms.

3. NO Treated or Painted Wood:

   - Not Acceptable: Any wood treated, stained, or painted.

Food Waste:

1. Vegetable Scraps:

   - Acceptable: All vegetable scraps.

2. Table Food Scraps:

   - Acceptable: Food scraps from tables, excluding non-biodegradable items.

3. Coffee & Tea Grounds + Paper Filters or Paper Bags:

   - Acceptable: Coffee and tea grounds with paper filters or paper bags.

4. Meat Including Bones:

   - Acceptable: All meat scraps, including bones.

5. Napkins:

   - Acceptable: Used paper napkins.

6. Wax Paper / Boxes (Milk Cartons):

   - Acceptable: Wax paper and boxes, including milk cartons.

7. Parchment Paper:

   - Acceptable: Parchment paper.

8. Pizza Boxes:

   - Acceptable: Pizza boxes without plastic heavily soiled with grease.

9. Cardboard Cups (Restaurant Takeout Cups):

   - Acceptable: Cardboard/paper or wax-coated cups from restaurants.

   - Not Acceptable: Compostable Plastic cups.

10.  NO Compostable Plastic Cups/Lids:

    - Not Acceptable: Plastics defined as “Compostable”

Cardboard & Paper:

1. Cardboard:

   - Acceptable: Cardboard, Wax-Coated Cardboard

2. Newspaper:

   - Acceptable: Newspaper.

3. Printer Paper:

   - Acceptable: Used printer paper.

4. Kleenex / Boxes (Remove Plastic):

   - Acceptable: Used tissues and tissue boxes (plastic removed).

5. Envelopes:

   - Acceptable: Used envelopes (plastic removed).

6. NO High Gloss Paper (Magazines):

   - Not Acceptable: High gloss paper, such as magazines.

Note: It is crucial to avoid introducing contaminants, such as plastic, metal, and chemicals, into the vermicomposting system to ensure optimal worm health and compost quality. Adherence to these guidelines contributes to the success of the Northern Rockies Vermicompost Program.

Spring Fling is a municipally-sponsored program where residents can dispose of their garbage free of charge for one week in the Spring. Typically this week starts Victoria Day weekend in May. In addition to free landfill for residents,  curbside pick-up is available for residents who are unable to transport large items. Should you need to dispose of appliances or furniture, for example, those items can be placed at the end of your driveway for the Public Works Crew to pick up by arrangement.

Important note: This event is for residential waste only. Commercial/Industrial disposal will be subject to regular landfill tipping rates.

The landfill will not accept the following waste:

• liquid waste of any kind • slurries • empty steel or plastic drums that have not been shredded or crushed • contaminated soils • waste asbestos • waste oil and lubricants • potentially radioactive industrial waste • waste that is on fire or smouldering • lead acid batteries • human waste/sewage • chemical containers • loose wire • creosote-soaked wood • bovine carcasses • hazardous waste • and other items as determined by the Municipality •