Composting and worm farms

Around 45% of the waste in red bins in Ku-ring-gai is food waste. Food waste in landfill if not managed correctly has the potential to create harmful greenhouse gases and a toxic liquid known as leachate which can pollute water ways if it escapes. Ku-ring-gai Council and other nearby Council's are currently trialling waste processing where the organic content of the waste bins is being turned into a basic compost for mine site rehabilitation. See how some of the regions food waste is currently processed at Veolia's Eco Precinct at Woodlawn near Goulburn.

Still the best and most efficient method to deal with food waste though is to compost it at home. Food waste material can easily be returned to the soil as rich fertiliser, compost and mulch. Compost improves plant growth, increases soil nutrients and helps plants to resist disease.

Kimbriki Eco House and Garden run a selection of eco workshops on:

  • Pruning and propagation.
  • Beginner’s organic vegie gardening.
  • Composting and worms.
  • Small scale edible gardening.
  • Self-watering garden beds.

For more information and to book visit Kimbriki Eco House & Garden.

Join the Compost Revolution in Ku-ring-gai!

The Compost Revolution is a free and fun online resource available to Ku-ring-gai residents teaching you the skills of composting and worm-farming.

Complete the online tutorial and the short quiz that follows and you'll be eligible for up to 40% discount on the Compost Revolution worm farms and compost bins.

Your compost bin or worm farms will be delivered to your door for FREE.

Join the Compost Revolution

The discounted offer is only available to residents of Ku-ring-gai and limited to one order per household and one of each product. The Compost Revolution in Ku-ring-gai is funded by Council's Environmental Levy.

Composting

In compost bins, microscopic organisms turn kitchen and garden waste into decomposed organic matter known as compost. When used in the garden, compost provides soil with essential nutrients, breaks up heavy clay soils and helps sandy soils retain moisture.

You can compost:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps.
  • Pulp from juicers.
  • Bread crusts.
  • Crushed eggshells.
  • Tea bags.
  • Coffee grounds and filters.
  • Grass trimming.
  • Leaves and flowers.
  • Pine needles.

Read more on composting

Worm farms

Worms make structures called worm casts, which are a great natural fertiliser. Worm farms can be used to breed worms and collect castings. Castings can be placed straight onto your garden or mixed with water to make a liquid fertiliser for pot plants.

Worms will eat:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps (variety is important).
  • Pulp from juicers.
  • Bread crusts.
  • Crushed eggshells.
  • Tea bags.
  • Leaves.
  • Cardboard (shredded and soaked).
  • Paper.

Worms don't like onion, garlic or citrus fruits and may try and escape to get away from them.

Read more on worm farms

Love Food Hate Waste

Did you know the average NSW household throws away more than $3000 worth of food each year?

Love Food Hate Waste provides great tips for cutting down on food waste and provides yummy nutritious recipes for your leftovers. Bon appetit!