Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’d like to buy some of your Soil Amender for my garden. Where can I get some Soil Amender or your other compost-based soil products? Read answer.
A: Check out our list of bulk distributors for a dealer near you. For larger orders call our customer service line at 604-465-3506.
Q: Can I drop off organic materials at your facility? Read answer.
A: We accept loads from landscapers, municipalities, and commercial haulers. If you are a business that wants to separate food scraps, contact your hauler. If you are a resident, contact your local municipality on your organics recycling options.
Q: What kinds of food can be composted at Fraser Richmond Soil & Fibre? Read answer.
A: All food scraps, including vegetables, fruit, meat, seafood, bread/baked goods, grains, dairy, eggs, coffee grounds and filters, plate scrapings can be composted. Wood produce crates and floral waste can also be included.
We do not accept large amounts of liquids, grease and oil. Glass, metal, plastic, plastic-coated papers or toxic materials in any amounts are not acceptable.
Q: What kinds of paper can be composted at Fraser Richmond Soil & Fibre? Read answer.
A: Paper that has been in contact with food, like napkins, parchment bakery tray liners, pizza boxes waxed paper, uncoated paper plates and waxed cardboard, can be composted. Paper that is coated with plastic or foil is not acceptable. Plastic-coated paper includes coffee and cold drink cups, most types of paper plates, dairy or juice cartons, most paper to-go containers, and any paper packaging designed for the freezer or refrigerator. To determine if a paper is plastic-coated, look to see if it has a shiny surface especially where it is in contact with food or liquids. Wax-coated paper is fine. Wax coatings will shave off if scratched with a fingernail.
Q: What happens to the food scraps, yard debris and paper when it reaches the composting facility? Read answer.
A: The organic materials are unloaded, mixed, and layered into composting cells. The cells are monitored closely for the control of pathogens, vectors, and chemical contamination. After more than eight weeks, the compost is screened to different sized particles and blended into a wide variety of compost and soil products.
Q: What are the benefits of food waste collection and composting? Read answer.
A: Adding food scraps to yard debris increases the richness of the finished soil product. In addition, environmental models show that sending 45,000 tons of organic waste to be composted instead of landfilled reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 44,000 metric tons per year CO2E (carbon dioxide equivalent): That’s comparable to keeping 8,000 cars off the road each year. Compost also restores soil health, conserves water, reduces the use of chemicals, reduces air and water pollution, decreases reliance on oil reserves, and improves plant health. Compost adds value to and benefits agriculture, one of the Metro Vancouver region’s leading industries. Finally, by removing the “wet” organic portion of the waste stream, the remaining waste is “cleaner.” This provides more potential opportunity for greater overall recycling.
