A newly opened compost facility at the Kitimat Landfill means locally gathered food waste can now be processed right here inside the community.

The Kitimat Compost Facility project was paid for through a $1.2 million CleanBC Organics Infrastructure Program grant and $1.5 million in funding from LNG Canada.

This means local food waste does not require any more transfer to facilities outside of the community.

“Since 2022 our community has diverted more than 841 tonnes of food waste from our landfill, helping extend its lifespan,” says Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth. “Adding a composting facility to our landfill helps complete the circle and supports our local gardens and landscaping.”

Initially, locally produced compost will support District of Kitimat’s landscaping at public parks and gardens. Consideration will be given to how local compost can be made available for residents directly as well.

“LNG Canada is proud to support the District of Kitimat in bringing this important community project to life,” says Teresa Waddington, LNG Canada's Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Chief HSSE Officer. “The new organics facility will benefit local residents, reduce waste, and support a cleaner future for everyone who calls Kitimat home. We’re committed to being a good neighbour and investing in projects that make a lasting, positive impact.”

Kitimat continues to enjoy an expanded 4-stream curbside collection program which collects weekly food waste, and alternating weeks of recycling and garbage. Seasonally, yard waste is collected bi-weekly which also supports the composting process.

Introducing composting further advances the District’s Solid Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan, adopted in 2020.