Organic Matter Recycling Regulation
The British Columbia Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR) governs the production, quality and land application of certain types of organic matter. OMRR (B.C. Reg. 18/2002) was enacted on February 5, 2002. The regulation was developed by the Ministry to provide clear and effective guidance for local governments and other compost and biosolids producers, to protect soil quality and drinking water sources, and to provide an opportunity to beneficially use organic material. In the past, this organic matter has been often burnt, buried or otherwise disposed of.
The Organic Matter Recycling Regulation applies to:
(a) the construction and operation of composting facilities, and
(b) the production, distribution, storage, sale and use or land application of biosolids and compost.
The Organic Matter Recycling Regulation does NOT apply to any of the following:
(a) backyard composting
(b) demonstration gardens for the composting of yard waste in quantities not exceeding 100 cubic metres per year.
The following documents are of use to generators, the general public, and qualified professionals:
The Ministry of Environment intends to revise the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR), of the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and the Public Health Act. The proposed amendments to the regulation are outlined in an intentions paper. These revisions consider: organic matter suitable for composting, facility requirements and requirements for the production of a "biosolids growing medium" — as well as assuring compliance and taking into consideration scientific updates.
The intentions paper and response form for the proposed amendments were posted on the web in July 2011. Comments were solicited for a period of 60 days, ending September 15, 2011. The intentions paper, response form and a summary of the comments received are available here:
For information on the consultation process, see the Consultation Information for Codes of Practice and Regulations site.
For general information on the development of codes of practice and the review of current regulations, see the Environmental Management Act (EMA) Codes of Practice and Regulatory Review site.
Last Modified on February 2012
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