Food Waste, Worm Farms and Composting
Did you know that NSW households throw away more than 800,000 tonnes of edible food each year?
Recent audits of kerbside bins found that the average Lane Cove household throws away 3.55kg of food per week.
Edible food is usually wasted because we buy too much, cook too much, or store food incorrectly. There are many simple things you can do to reduce food waste, while also saving time and money. For tips, tools and recipes visit the NSW EPA's Love Food Hate Waste website.
Compost Bins and Worm Farms
On average 40% of waste in our red lidded general waste bin is food waste. Using food scraps for composting and worm farming transforms these wastes into a natural fertiliser that enriches the soil.
In addition to reducing the amount of waste leaving Lane Cove, composting and worm farming is also great for your garden.
- Improving soil structure;
- Increasing the ability of soil to retain moisture; and
- Reducing weed emergence and erosion.
Where can I get a compost bin or worm farm?
Council offers discounted compost bins and worm farms through Compost Revolution.
See our Compost Revolution page to learn more.
Why should I use a compost bin or worm farm?
Composting and worm farming transform food scraps and organic wastes into a natural fertiliser that enriches the soil. Diverting these wastes from landfill where it produces harmful greenhouses gases as it breaks down.
Which one do I need? Compost Bin vs Worm Farm
A key consideration is that a compost bin needs both food scraps and garden waste to work effectively, while a worm farm only requires food scraps. Worm farms are perfect for people with limited space.
Compost Network
Join our program designed to connect people who want to recycle their food scraps with local hosts who graciously accept these food scraps for composting.