Organic Matter Recycling Regulations & Guidelines
The Organic Matter Recycling Regulation of B.C. (OMRR) governs the construction and operation of compost facilities, and the production, distribution, storage, sale and use of biosolids and compost. It provides guidance for local governments and compost and biosolids producers, on how to use organic material while protecting soil quality and drinking water sources.
Regulatory Review
The OMRR is currently undergoing a comprehensive review to ensure it remains protective of human health and the environment. Updates on the review will be posted as they become available.
The 2018 Intentions Paper was available for review and comment from September 7 - November 8, 2018. Comments received during that time will be considered in preparing the proposed revisions to the regulation. A summary of the comments received will be available in February 2019.
- Read the 2018 Intentions Paper (PDF)
For more information on the consultation process and the development of policy intentions papers visit the Environmental Protection Regulatory Review page.
Compost Facility Update
New requirements under OMRR came into force on June 9, 2016. Government amended the OMRR with respect to larger compost facilities. These amendments to the regulation are available below.
- Order in Council
- Organic Matter Recycling Regulation Amendment - Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Organic Matter Recycling Regulation Amendment - Backgrounder (PDF)
Historical OMRR Public Consultation
Information on the past review processes is available here:
- 2017 Summary of Comments (PDF)
- 2016 Intentions Paper (PDF)
- 2011 Intentions Paper (PDF)
- 2011 Summary of Comments (PDF)
- 2006 Intentions Paper (PDF)
- 2006 Summary of Comments (PDF)
Guidance Documents & Guidelines
For help understanding and complying with the requirements outlined in the regulation:
- Land Application Guidelines (PDF, 8.3MB)
- General Composting Best Management Practices (PDF)
- Composting Application Instructions (PDF)
For questions or concerns regarding land application, please contact ministry staff at env.omrr.reg.reviews@gov.bc.ca.
CCME Guidance Documents
The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) also provides guidelines to support positive environmental impacts. CCME collaborates across various government levels to focus on issues that are national in scope.
- Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines
- CCME Guideline for Compost Quality (PDF)
- CCME Guidance Document for the Beneficial Use of Municipal Biosolids, Municipal Sludge and Treated Septage (PDF, 1MB)
- Emerging Substances of Concern in Biosolids: Concentrations and Effects of Treatment Processes Final Report-Literature Review (PDF)
- Emerging Substances of Concern in Biosolids: Concentrations and Effects of Treatment Processes - Field Sampling Program Final Report (PDF)
Environment Canada Technical Document
Environment Canada has also produced technical documents on waste processing to contribute to the waste discussion in Canada. The following document contains science-based and user-friendly information on organic waste management processing:
