Is your red bin overflowing with food waste? You can reduce the amount of food waste in your red bin by donating it to a local composter.
According to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), more than a third of the waste generated by NSW households sent to landfills is food. Every tonne of organic waste diverted from landfills saves 1.5 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted.
Lane Cove Compost Network
The Lane Cove Council has set up the Lane Cove Compost Network. The network is designed to connect people who want to recycle their food scraps with local hosts who graciously accept them for composting. By participating in the program, residents contribute to a healthier environment while building meaningful connections within their community.
How Does It Work?
Become a Host
You can sign up a host by filling out a Host survey here so Lane Cove Council can match food scrap donors with local compost hosts.
To become a host, you will need an established compost system, although the council can provide you with resources and training to get going. If you don’t have space for a compost system, you can become a donor and donate your food scraps to a local host.
Once you are accepted as a host, you can also invite your neighbours to join by dropping off a postcard.
Become a Compost Donor
Fill out the Donor survey here so the council can match food scrap donors with local compost hosts.
ShareWaste is a free initiative and web app that aims to connect people and support composting. The app is available in the Apple Store here or on Google Play here or accessed via your desktop here.
Prepare to Be Matched
Once you have completed the forms, you will be matched with a local host or donor. The host will tell the donor the type of organic waste they need – they may also be looking for food for chickens.
Map
Lane Cove Council will soon prepare an interactive map showing the locations of hosts in Lane Cove.
Sharewaste
Some Lane Cove locals are already participating in organic waste sharing via ShareWaste.
The idea is that ShareWaste helps people who have green scraps (i.e., organic waste) and would like to compost them (rather than just chuck them into the garbage) find a neighbour with a composting bin, worm farm, or chickens willing to accept their waste.
Sharewaste has just announced that they are closing down on 31 December 2024 – so fi you have been using this service, now is the time to register with the Lane Cove Compost Network.
What Happens to Organic Waste in Lane Cove Council Red Bins?
