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
How To Reduce Your Food Waste 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
Keeping urban chickens for beginners
Chickens are great pets, with extra benefits: they provide eggs, produce fertiliser, control insects and weeds, and eat kitchen scraps. In this workshop we’ll talk about chicken keeping basics, and answer questions. We’ll cover housing, feeding, chicken health, different breeds, local rules and regulations - and how to get started with your own small flock.
Date: Wednesday 20 March 2024
Time: 6pm-7:30pm
Location: Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community Garden, Memorial Drive
Cost: Free to attend | Suitable for all ages
Compost, worm farms and bokashi
Ever been curious about what it takes to reduce food waste by rearing a healthy ‘clew’ of worms? Join Lindsay Miles in this session where we’ll learn everything wormy – what they eat, where to keep them, how to make sure their getting what they need – and most importantly – join in setting some worm farms up from materials usually destined for the bin!
Date: Thursday 21 March 2024
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Location: Eastern Goldfields Community Centre, 13 Roberts St, Kalgoorlie
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.