Dirt Rich Compost celebrates 10th anniversary

Dirt Rich, a small batch composting facility located in Columbia Falls, is celebrating 10 years of providing high-quality composting solutions to the local community and beyond.  

Founded in July 2015 by Alissa LaChance, Dirt Rich Compost aims to offer a local solution to organic waste management. With a mission statement of “Grow Food Not Landfills,” its compost aids in nourishing the soil and offsetting local waste.  

Dirt Rich offers yard waste drop off to their Columbia Falls facility and hauling services for residential and commercial companies like restaurants, farms and arborists.  

LaChance, who was born and raised in Whitefish, holds a bachelor's degree in environmental studies with an emphasis in sustainable agriculture.  

“I started Dirt Rich Compost with a simple yet powerful vision: to create systems that nourish the land, promote sustainable agriculture and provide easy access for our community,” she said. “As we approach this milestone, I’m filled with gratitude for the growth we’ve experienced, our amazing local partners, and the impact we’ve made over the past decade.”  

Since its founding, Dirt Rich Compost has diverted over 3 million pounds of organic waste from Flathead County landfills, transforming it into compost that benefits gardens, farms, landscapers and other regional businesses.  

New residential customers are currently being offered a free month with signup, using promo code “10YearsofCompost” as Dirt Rich celebrates its 10-year anniversary this July. 

“(Montana Coffee Traders) seeks community partners rooted in making our home a better place. Working with Dirt Rich was an obvious choice, and the relationship quickly evolved into a true partnership,” said Jessie Farnes, regional manager of cafe operations at Montana Coffee Traders. ‘I intentionally use the word partnership because Alissa, and the team at Dirt Rich, have been a reliable and constructive resource for us in pursuing compostable options for cups and packaging.  

“By working with Dirt Rich, we went from minimal composting to routine composting in multiple locations and now cup and lid composting in our cafes,” she added. “We look forward to continuing this work together with pride and love for the beauty of the place in which we live and the well-being of our community.” 

In addition to producing high-quality compost, Dirt Rich is dedicated to educating the community on the importance of composting and sustainable waste practices. The company has partnered with the Whitefish Farmers Market, local schools and nonprofit organizations to foster environmental stewardship and promote sustainability. 

Dirt Rich Compost focuses on sustainable composting practices, processing organic waste, like food scraps, yard debris and agricultural by-products, into nutrient-rich, high-quality compost.  

The company now accepts brush and branches under 6 inches in diameter at the Columbia Falls facility for a fee. By diverting these materials from landfills and transforming them into various compost products for soil enrichment, the company helps support local agriculture and reduces the environmental impact of organic waste.  

The outdoor facility takes a hands-on approach, ensuring each batch of compost meets the highest standards of quality. The processes aim to support healthy soils, vibrant landscapes and a more sustainable future for the community.  

As Dirt Rich Compost celebrates this important anniversary, LaChance is eager to continue expanding the company’s reach and impact. New this year is 100% solar infrastructure which will come online this summer and plans to increase production capacity, launch new community outreach initiatives, and further innovate sustainable waste management practices.  

“We’re just getting started,” said LaChance. “Over the past 10 years, we’ve learned a lot, and I’m excited for what the next decade holds for Dirt Rich Compost and the community we serve.”  

For more information about Dirt Rich Compost or to learn how to get involved in its composting programs, visit DirtRichCompost.com or contact [email protected] or (406) 212-7535