Worms

The Wonderful World of Worms

By using worms in a vermicomposter, more people can participate in reducing the waste from their kitchens that could end up in landfill. Vermicomposters can be used indoors, so apartment dwellers or offices can get involved. The Regional District is committed to reducing waste to landfill by 50% and we can all play our part.

What Worms Are Used in Vermicomposting?

A specific type of worm is used in vermicomposting – Red Wrigglers. Red Wrigglers (Eisenia fetida) are the best because they thrive on organic materials.  You can purchase worms locally, find them in aged horse manure or leaf piles, or obtained from a friend. Once you get your starter amount of worms, you can rely on their natural reproduction abilities to make more.

Red Wrigglers produce two to three cocoons per week for six months to a year once they reach sexual maturity, which happens about three or four weeks after hatching. Each cocoon will contain one to 14 babies, which will hatch in approximately three weeks. The cocoons appear white when first produced and gradually turn to a deep brown-red colour just before hatching. They will only breed to the holding capacity of the bin; therefore, they will not overpopulate.

How Many Worms Are Needed?

For every one pound of kitchen waste per day, you will need two pounds of worms (approximately 2000 worms). If you are unable to get this many worms, or do not produce this amount of kitchen waste daily, reduce accordingly to achieve a balanced vermicomposter.

Local Worm Suppliers

• Bubba’s Bait Barn, Vanderhoof, BC 1-250-567-4155

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We encourage educators to get in touch with us about our Adopt-A-Worm program.

We can introduce classes to vermicomposting through hands-on learning by recycling their lunch waste in their own bin (limited numbers available). For more information on our school programs, visit our Programs page.