May 29, 2025

Introducing BioBloom: Free high-quality compost for residents

Ladysmith, BC — The Town of Ladysmith is excited to introduce BioBloom, a high-quality, nutrient rich Class A compost that will be available at no cost to local residents beginning on May 30, 2025.

With its high nitrogen content and rich nutrient profile, BioBloom is best used as a soil conditioner or supplement—not as a topsoil or direct fertilizer. There are no usage restrictions with BioBloom, but it is recommended that residents use BioBloom once per year or as guided by soil testing.

BioBloom is made through a partnership between the Town of Ladysmith’s wastewater treatment plant and composting facility. Biosolids from treated wastewater are dewatered and mixed with clean, untreated wood chips from local industry. The mixture is then composted in enclosed, aerated channels at high temperatures for at least 14 days to destroy pathogens and break down organic matter. After curing and screening, the final product is tested to meet Class A compost standards under the Province’s Organic Matter Recycling Regulation and the federal Fertilizers Act, resulting in a safe, nutrient-rich compost ideal for gardens and landscapes.

“The Town has spent years refining the process to get BioBloom to the point where it exceeds provincial and federal standards for public use. We are using BioBloom now in our parks and public spaces, it’s a big reason why we’ve been able to grow beautiful healthy flowers and lush green grass,” says Len Thew, the Town’s Manager of Operations, Infrastructure Services.

As part of the Town’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and waste reduction, BioBloom is being offered free of charge to Ladysmith residents. Beginning on May 30, residents can pick up BioBloom at the Public Works Yard (330 6th Avenue) between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, while supplies last. Residents will need to bring their own shovels, containers, or bags. The Town of Ladysmith will not be providing these on-site for compost collection.

FAQs

What is Class A compost?

Class A Compost is a high-quality, nutrient-rich compost made from organic materials like clean wood waste and treated biosolids. It is produced under strict regulations (as outlined in BC’s Organic Matter Recycling Regulation) and complies with the Fertilizers Act administered by the CFIA to ensure it is safe, stable, and beneficial for use in gardens, landscaping, parks, and agriculture.

To qualify as Class A, the compost must be processed at high temperatures to eliminate harmful pathogens, meet strict limits for heavy metals and contaminants, and undergo regular testing to ensure it's mature and safe for people, pets, and the environment.

How is BioBloom made?

BioBloom is produced in partnership between the Town of Ladysmith’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Composting Facility, creating a sustainable, closed-loop system that recycles local resources back into the land.

The process begins at the wastewater treatment plant, where biosolids—the solid organic material separated from treated wastewater, are dewatered to reduce moisture. These biosolids are then transported to the composting facility, where they are blended with clean, untreated wood chips sourced from local industry.

The mixture is placed in enclosed, aerated composting channels, where it is mechanically turned and aerated to carefully maintain high temperatures (above 45°C) for a minimum of 14 days. This thermophilic process destroys pathogens and helps break down organic matter.

After active composting, the material is screened, cured, and allowed to cool. Regular testing ensures it meets the rigorous standards for Class A compost under BC’s Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR) and the Fertilizers Act (CFIA). The result is a safe, nutrient-rich product ideal for soil conditioning and plant growth.

What are the best uses for BioBloom?

BioBloom is intended as a soil conditioner or supplement—not a replacement for topsoil or fertilizer. It’s suitable for all outdoor plants including flower beds, tubes and bulbs, roses. For large-scale use, apply BioBloom as a top-dressing layer up to one centimetre thick, or mix it into the soil at a ratio of 1-part BioBloom to 8 parts soil.

  • Flower Beds
    Mix one-part BioBloom with eight parts existing soil. Plant flowers or sow seeds, then water thoroughly.
  • Tubers and Bulbs
    Blend one-part BioBloom with eight parts existing soil. Surround each bulb or tuber with a generous handful of the mixture and plant at the recommended depth.
  • Roses
    Prepare the soil as you would for flower beds. Plant the rosebush in a mixture of one-part BioBloom to four parts soil.
  • Container Plantings
    Incorporate BioBloom into your potting mix so that it makes up 10% of the total soil volume.
  • Trees and Shrubs
    Dig a hole roughly twice the width and depth of the root ball. Plant using a blend of one part BioBloom to four parts soil. Firm the soil around the roots and water well.
  • New Lawns
    Seeding:
    Spread 1–2 centimetres of BioBloom over the ground. Till into the top 10 centimetres of soil, rake smooth, then sow seed as directed. Use a roller to compact and keep the area moist.
    Sod:
    Spread 1–2 centimetres of BioBloom, till into the top 10 centimetres, and rake smooth. Lay sod as usual and keep it well-watered.
  • Established Lawns
    In late fall or early spring, apply a 1-centimetre layer of BioBloom with a rake. Water thoroughly after application. For best results, aerate your lawn after spreading.

Do other local governments on Vancouver Island offer Class A compost?

Yes, Comox Valley Regional District has been successfully offering it to residents and businesses free of charge for years. In fact, our program was inspired by the Comox Valley Regional District’s initiative.

Do I need to bring my own container and shovel?

Yes, residents will need to bring their own shovels, containers, or bags, as the Town of Ladysmith will not be providing these on-site for compost collection.

For the latest news and updates, visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook and Instagram.

The Town of Ladysmith respectfully acknowledges that we gather and work on the unceded territory of the Stz'uminus First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.

-30-


Media Contact
Nicholas Pescod
Communications & Engagement Specialist
npescod@ladysmith.ca
250-268-0606