Curbside Expanded Organics Program

The fall 2024 Organics Cart Upsize Promotion was a great success! Over 2300 larger organics carts were delivered to residents between March 31 and May 10. Starting June 1, 2025, the option to upsize your organics service will be permanently available on our online portal at rdn.bc.ca/curbsideonline. Cart exchange request forms will also be available. Please contact the Curbside team at curbside@rdn.bc.ca or call 250 390-6501 to request a form.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

  • Visit the FAQs to learn about the expansion, cart deliveries, what can be put into your organics cart and more!
  • Check out our video to learn all about the expanded organics program and how it works.
  • Do you have a question? Post it below and we will answer for all to see. A great way for all to learn.
  • Have general questions about curbside? Contact the team at curbside@rdn.bc.ca or 250-390-6501.

The fall 2024 Organics Cart Upsize Promotion was a great success! Over 2300 larger organics carts were delivered to residents between March 31 and May 10. Starting June 1, 2025, the option to upsize your organics service will be permanently available on our online portal at rdn.bc.ca/curbsideonline. Cart exchange request forms will also be available. Please contact the Curbside team at curbside@rdn.bc.ca or call 250 390-6501 to request a form.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

  • Visit the FAQs to learn about the expansion, cart deliveries, what can be put into your organics cart and more!
  • Check out our video to learn all about the expanded organics program and how it works.
  • Do you have a question? Post it below and we will answer for all to see. A great way for all to learn.
  • Have general questions about curbside? Contact the team at curbside@rdn.bc.ca or 250-390-6501.

Q&A

Do you have a question for the RDN in regard to this project?  If so, please ask us here.

Please note: We ask that only questions related to the project are asked here. Information provided here will not be shared with the RDN Board of Directors. 

To protect your privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include any information that could identify you or another person. Identifying information could include a person’s name, address, email or phone number. Questions that contain personal information will not be published.

You need to be signed in to add your question.

  • Can you put wooden skewers or toothpicks in the compost?

    Pat R asked 5 months ago

    Wooden toothpicks can go in the organics cart, as they’re small and compostable.

    Wooden skewers, however, should go in the garbage. Their size and shape can pose a risk to the composting equipment and aren’t accepted in the curbside organics program.

    We appreciate you checking — proper sorting helps keep the system safe and efficient!

  • Can put cotton cheesecloth used to strain turkey broth into the compost? Also what about butcher string used to truss turkey?

    Pat R asked 5 months ago

    Cotton cheesecloth used to strain turkey broth should go in the garbage, even if it’s made from natural fibers. This is because it’s considered a textile and not suitable for composting through the curbside organics program.

    Butcher string, on the other hand, can go in the organics cart — but only if it’s made from 100% natural fibers like cotton or hemp. If you're unsure of the material, it's safest to place it in the garbage.

    Thanks for checking — proper sorting helps keep the program running smoothly!

  • We were away during the sign up period to get the bigger cart. How do we get one now?

    BowserBabcock asked 12 months ago

    Residents will have the option to upsize their organics cart on our Curbside Portal starting June 2025

  • If we are away on the date that new bins are dropped off (and older green bins are picked up) are there alternative arrangements to receive the new bins?

    Grant asked about 1 year ago

    We plan to notify all participating residents ahead of the scheduled delivery date. If you are away on the delivery day, you can leave your empty cart somewhere visible and accessible, and the contractor will complete the exchange, ensuring you receive your new bin even if you're not home.

  • If I decide to exchange my current organics cart for the larger one, what do you do with my old one? Does it go in the landfill?

    Kerri-Zinger asked over 1 year ago

    If you decide to exchange your current organics cart for a larger one, we ensure that your old cart is not sent to the landfill. The carts are returned and reused as long as they are in good working order, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

  • Are there any plans in the future to offer compost to RDN taxpayers?

    jan.king1209 asked almost 2 years ago

    At this time, there are no concrete plans to offer compost directly to residents. However, we are hopeful that we will be able to provide an opportunity for this next spring.

  • How can I confirm that I'm registered for a larger bin?

    PRedman asked over 1 year ago

    Please contact our Curbside Team at curbside@rdn.bc.ca or call 250-390-6501 with any questions. 

  • We should be encouraged to use a bigger organics cart, not being charged more. also the price can be increased in the future.

    Herbert asked over 1 year ago

    Hello and thank you for your comment. The RDN completely agrees with you and that's why the Expanded Organics Program is completely optional and scalable to fit the individual needs of residents. Further, the costs associated with the program are some of the lowest in BC and are intended to ensure accurate cost recovery. 

  • Can I put grass clippings in

    Derek sutherland asked over 1 year ago

    Yes, you can top up your organics cart with grass, leaves and light yard trimmings.

    Light yard trimmings include twigs, small branches and prunings that are less than 1.5 cm (0.5 inches) in diameter and no longer than 60 cm (2 feet). To ensure collection, the lid of the organics cart must be able to fully close.

  • Can I use a compostable bag (same type as for food waste) for yard trimmings?

    glynnishorel asked over 1 year ago

    Yes, certified compostable bags are acceptable in your organics cart for food waste and yard trimmings. 

Page last updated: 05 Mar 2026, 02:21 PM