FAQs
Why is Council collecting food scraps?
Food scraps make up 35% of the red lidded general waste bin which goes to landfill. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create nutrient rich compost.
Who will participate in the trial?
A random selection of 400 properties have been chosen and notified. Other properties cannot join the trial.
How does the food scraps collection trial work?
Your kitchen caddy comes with a one-off supply of 150 compostable caddy liner bags. Line your kitchen caddy with a compostable bag or newspaper.
Collect cooked and raw food scraps and place them inside the lined caddy. You can also use the caddy without a liner. Once your caddy is full, tie up the liner bag or fold the newspaper and empty it into the food scraps wheelie bin with the burgundy coloured lid. Close the food scraps bin lid.
The food scraps bin will be in the main bin area. Empty your caddy every 2-3 days or more often in warm weather. Food scraps bins go out on Tuesday night for Wednesday morning collection.
How long does the food scraps collection trial go for?
The food scraps collection trial will last for six months.
The trial begins in May 2022 and ends in November 2022
Where will my food scraps go?
Food scraps will be sent to a facility that processes food waste using open windrow composting and vermicomposting (worms). The food scraps are processed into compost, mulch and soil conditioners. This is a sustainable waste management option, which results in positive long term environmental outcomes.
When will I receive my kitchen caddy?
Caddy’s will be delivered in April 2022 and will include a one off supply of compostable caddy liner bags and an information brochure.
How do I care for my caddy?
Wash your caddy with warm, soapy water.
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in the bottom of your caddy to absorb liquids and odours.
Store your caddy away from direct sunlight to reduce smells and discourage insects.
Keep the caddy lid closed when not in use.
Prevent odours by storing your caddy in the fridge and/or freezing meat and seafood scraps until the night before collection.
Wrap bones in paper to avoid piercing your liner bag.
What type of compostable liner bag can I use?
Compostable bags must display AS4736 Australian certification and display the seedling logo. No other biodegradable or plastic bags are accepted as they will contaminate the composting process.
What day should the 120L food scraps bin go out for collection?
Tuesday night for Wednesday collection
Do I need to complete a survey?
Each household particpating in the trial is to complete an online survey at the beginning of the trial, and again at the end of the trial.
Is there an online forum?
When completing the initial survey, you will be asked for details so we can register you for the online forum, this is a closed group open only to trial participants and is a place to share your feedback (positive or negative), ask questions, make suggestions etc.
You will be emailed your login information along with details of how to reset your password after your first login.