FAQs

Short answer: yes! 

It really matters - this is why we're encouraging people to start using a kitchen organics bin.

This is a great question! In the RDKS, we have a set list of what is accepted and what is not accepted into our organics curbside collection. You might notice that other regional districts or towns and cities allow slightly different things. It all depends on how each landfill works. For the RDKS:

Accepted in organics bins

• Food scraps 
• Rotten food
• Food soiled paper products (pizza boxes can go in your organics bin!)
• A small amount of oil or grease soaked into paper towel or newspaper
• Yard trimmings or leaves
• See the image below for the full list!

Not accepted in organics bins

• Diapers and/or fecal matter
• Animal waste
• Large pieces of wood
• Plastic
• If you're not sure, it probably doesn't go in the organics bin
• To make sure, have a look below at the page from our 2025 Curbside Guide, and click on the image for the full guide.
• You can also check out the Recycle Coach page on our website: Recycle Coach App - Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine 

The RDKS organics guidelines

 

Here's a step by step guide. (Products are suggestions, not endorsements)

1. Find a small bin or bucket for your kitchen - here are some ideas:  
2. You can buy compostable liners for your bin (they must be compostable) like these ones if you want to, but it's not required:
3. When you peel a banana or eat a chicken wing or find that bunch of cilantro in the crisper you forgot about...put the peel, the bone, or the rotting vegetables into that bin.
4. Keep the bin in a handy location in your kitchen and put all your food waste into it.
5. If you have curbside collection, on collection day put your bags into a sturdy container with a lid and leave it to be picked up. There are lots of options here! A plastic pail with a lid from the hardware store is a great low cost choice. 
6. If you live in an area that has higher animal activity, you might want a bin with a locking lid, like this one: 
7. If you don't have curbside collection, there are other options to deal with your organic waste! You could start your own backyard compost pile, or deliver your organics to a friend or neighbor who has one. Or maybe your community has a garden collective with a compost pile?
8. Whatever options you choose, keeping those organics out of your garbage is one small thing you can do that will have a big impact for the future, and we (and our future selves) thank you!