Skidegate CASE STUDY

The Skidegate First Nation sought a community-based composting solution to expand local organics diversion and support long-term environmental sustainability in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. As a rural and remote coastal community, Skidegate required an efficient system that would reduce reliance on landfill disposal while providing residents with convenient options for managing food scraps and other organic waste.

The Skidegate Community Composting Project was designed to strengthen existing sustainability programs by supporting local curbside organics collection and pilot composting bins. The project also aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfill while creating nutrient-rich compost to support home gardening and sustainable food production throughout the community.

This locally led initiative was realized in partnership with IZWTAG, the Indigenous Solid Waste Technical Advisory Group. IZWTAG serves as a steering committee for zero-waste initiatives, fosters collaboration among First Nations communities and provides on-the- ground support and consultation to individual communities.

The Earth Flow composting solution provides Skidegate with an enclosed composting system that simplifies day-to-day operations while producing high-quality compost year-round. The automated mixing and aeration system creates ideal conditions for efficient hot composting, minimizes odors, and delivers reliable performance in the cool, wet climate of Haida Gwaii.

The Skidegate First Nation purchased a 40’ Intermodal Earth Flow for their composting program. This is installed inside a metal building in the community, with a cold weather package for optimum winter operation. They selected the earth flow because it is:

• Fully enclosed, low-odor composting process
• Reliable performance in wet, coastal climates
• Automated operation that reduces labor requirements
• Successful track record and trusted customer references

This project was supported through the CleanBC Organics Funding Program, an initiative that helps divert organic waste from landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across British Columbia. As part of this broader investment in Indigenous-led organics processing, the Skidegate Community Composting Project demonstrates how locally driven infrastructure can strengthen environmental stewardship while addressing the unique needs of rural and remote communities.