Household Organic Recycling
In April 2023, the City is commencing a new program to support household organic recycling. Reducing organic waste at home is so important, and we want to encourage our residents to learn more about how to do this.
As part of this initiative we will be:
- Hosting quarterly educational workshops about reducing organic/food waste, worm farming, composting and more
- Introducing a rebate scheme for the purchase of worm farms and compost bins
What is Composting?
Composting is a natural recycling method. It is one of the most effective actions we can take to reduce waste, combat climate change, and cultivate healthy soil. By composting our food scraps and yard waste, we can convert our waste streams into a beneficial, value-added soil amendment that we can use to protect the environment and build resilient communities.
Subsidies are available for worm farms, compost bins, and bokashi bins. Different home waste compost systems are appropriate for different households and their waste needs. Learn more about the best composting unit for you, what you can compost, upcoming Reducing Food Waste workshops, and the City's rebate for eligible residents.
Why should I compost?
Every year, food and garden waste account for nearly half of our household garbage. Composting can recycle the majority of this organic waste.
By composting food scraps and organic garden waste, you can:
- Reduce the amount of organic waste that goes to landfill, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and leachate, which can pollute land, groundwater, and waterways.
- Enhance soil quality and garden vitality by releasing nutrient-rich soil.
- Control plant diseases and pests, reducing or eliminating the need for chemical fertilisers and manures and allowing you to save money.
- Helps soils retain moisture, requiring less watering.
Which composting unit best suits you?
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Compost Bin
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Bokashi Bin
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Worm Farm
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Dwelling suitability
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House in any location with a garden
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There is no need for a garden in houses or apartment buildings.
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There is no need for a garden in houses or apartment buildings.
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Location
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A sunny location outside, preferably away from the house, will suffice.
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Can be either indoors or outdoors.
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Can be indoors or outdoors, but the best location is outside in the shade.
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Efficiency
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Variable. Aeration and the carbon/nitrate ratio are important factors. If properly maintained, the process is quick.
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Break down into a liquid quickly, though dry scraps take longer and must be buried.
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Worm-dependent, but generally fast-moving processes
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Odour level
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Dependent on carbon/nitrate ratios. If properly maintained, none.
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There will be no odour if the bin is kept sealed in an airtight container.
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If the worm farm is well maintained and scraps are digested, there will be no odour.
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Maintenance costs
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Once set up, there is no additional cost.
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Approximately $20 per bokashi mix.
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Once set up, there is no additional cost.
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Fertiliser
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Solids
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Liquids
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Solids and liquids
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Did you know?
Food waste in Australia is an increasing problem, and it is growing at an alarming rate. The Australian government estimates we waste about $20 billion in food annually.
Food waste is responsible for around 8% of global greenhouse gases, because spoiled and rotten food sitting in landfill produces methane, a harmful gas which is 28 times more potent than carbon monoxide.
About the Free Educational Program
Our Sustainable Living workshops are held quarterly. These workshops are free for anyone to attend and will cover topics relevant to waste reduction, compost, worm farms, bokashi bins and more.
Upcoming Workshops
Waste Workshop: Creating Compost and Worm Farms
Have you ever considered composting or worm farms to help manage those food scraps and keep household organic waste out of the wheelie bin?
Join Shani and Tim from Ecoburbia to hear about composting systems for managing your household organic waste. Whether you are a successful compost maker wanting to learn more, or just thinking about starting a composting system, this workshop is for you!
Date: Thursday 15 August 2024
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: Job Hub | 108A Burt Street Boulder
Cost: Free to attend
Attendees to this workshop are entitled to claim the City’s $50 Household Organics rebate when they purchase their own system for home.
Book Now
Waste Workshop: Water Collection & Reuse in Your Home
Would you like to learn more about saving and reusing water in your home?
Join Shani and Tim from Ecoburbia for a workshop where we will cover:
- Rainwater and greywater systems
- What you need to know to put in a bore
- How to install drip irrigation
- Easy water saving tips
Date: Friday 16 August 2024
Time: 6pm-7pm
Location: Job Hub | 108A Burt Street Boulder
Cost: Free to attend
Book Now
Waste Workshop: Preserve Your Harvest
Does your garden produce a bumper crop you would like to preserve? Or would you like to take advantage of cheap seasonal produce?
This workshop facilitated by Shani and Tim from Ecoburbia will cover:
- Tomato and fruit preserving using the water bath method
- Drying produce using the sun
- Pickles and olive preserving
- Making cordial and jam
Date: Saturday 17 August 2024
Time: 3pm-5pm
Location: Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community Garden | 39 Memorial Drive, West Lamington
Cost: Free to attend
Book Now
Waste Workshop: Make Your Own Soap
Save money, and avoid chemicals and excess packaging by making your own soap!
In this fun and informative workshop, you will learn how to make your own cold process natural soap.
- Learn about the foundations of soap making, including the tools, process and safety considerations
- Customise your soap with natural essential oils
- Take home a bar of soap for your family
Date: Saturday 24 August 2024
Time: 11am-1pm
Location: Job Hub | 108A Burt Street Boulder
Cost: Free to attend
Book Now
Waste Workshop: Build Your Own Wicking Bed
Join Peg Davies, sustainability educator and waste-wise guru, where you'll learn how to build your own wicking bed using recycled materials to help keep your plants happy and healthy.
In this exciting workshop, you'll learn how wicking beds use less water than your standard garden beds alongside other benefits including:
- Reduce the need for frequent watering
- Limiting loss of water due to evaporation
- Providing plants with a consistent water supply
Date: Saturday 24 August 2024
Time: 3pm-5pm
Location: Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community Garden | 39 Memorial Drive, Lamington
Cost: Free to attend
Book Now
About the Rebate Scheme
We are excited to offer a rebate to Kalgoorlie-Boulder residents in order to reduce waste and support a clean, and sustainable Goldfields. In order for residents to be eligible to apply for up to $50 towards the purchase of a composting unit they have to do the following:
- Attend one of the quarterly a How To Reduce Your Food Waste Workshops.
- Purchase a home composting unit that is suitable for your needs.
- Fill out the application form and include a copy of your proof off purchase and proof of Kalgoorlie-Boulder residency.
A rebate request can only be considered if the application is received within six months of attending a workshop.
To apply for the rebate please complete the form below and drop it off to the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Administration Building, 577 Hannan Street Kalgoorlie, or email it to mailbag@ckb.wa.gov.au.
Rebate Forms
Worm Farm rebate application form
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a composting unit?
A composting unit is a container into which organic waste is placed to be composted over time. Compost bins, bokashi bins, and worm farms are examples of these.
Most composting units are designed to accelerate organic matter decomposition through proper aeration and moisture retention. The right combination of air and moisture creates ideal conditions for the activity of aerobic organisms that convert organic materials into compost.
Am I eligible for the rebate?
To be eligible for the once off rebate, you must:
- Be a resident of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
- Have attended an eligible Reducing Your Food Waste workshop facilitated by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Dates will be advertised on the City's website, this page and social channels.
- Have purchased a composting unit within six months of attending an eligible workshop.
- Have applied for the Composting Unit Rebate within six months of attending an eligible workshop.
Which items are eligible for the rebate?
- Eligible composting units include bokashi bins, compost bins, compost tumblers, and compost bays. The worm café, stackable worm farm system, and in-ground subpods are all eligible.
- Eligible items must be purchased within six months of attending a Reducing Food Waste Workshop hosted by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
- Accessories are not eligible for the rebate.