Departments > Parks, Recreation and Culture > Parks Division > Organic Recycling/Reuse Program

Organic Recycling/Reuse Program

Within the Parks Division, we generate over 7,200 cubic metres of organic material annually that need to be recycled, reused or disposed of. The largest volumes we handle are generated first by leaf collection and wood chip/brush, and then by all the plant material that is removed due to seasonal plant changeovers (such as annuals and hanging baskets).

Our own organic recycling program enables us to handle this volume, mostly internally, and allows us to produce a high quality finished product of either soil, wood chip or leaf mulch. Our composting process operates under the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR) and the Waste Management Act, which are administered by the Ministry of Environment. These products are used within our parks system by the arboriculture crews and the gardeners.

We strive to recover as much organic material as we can however, some volumes (wood chips as an example) far exceed our requirements. Excess organic material is disposed of through local contractors who in turn use the product for other ventures.

The processes we use to achieve our desired finished product are continually being adjusted to take into account the raw product we are working with, weather conditions, moisture content, temperature of product, and leachate levels. We monitor the moisture content and temperature and aerate the composting piles on a regular basis. We have tried different means of dealing with our organics to attempt to refine the process and eliminate any concerns the neighborhood and park users may have.

We do not offer a "public drop off" service at our operation site due to public safety concerns, and the requirement to control the raw product used in our operation. Material can be dropped off at either the City of Victoria Public Works Yard on Saturday from 7am to 2pm (for more information contact 361-0400, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4 pm), or at one of the locations operated by the CRD.

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