Free compost proves real hit

Canterbury-Bankstown’s community gardens are now using free compost.

Mayor Khal Asfour said Council’s Wheelie Good Compost giveaways have been extremely popular among residents for sometime, but has now been expanded to include local community gardens.

“Riverwood, Villawood, Chester Hill, Lakemba, Ashbury and Bankstown community gardens have been offered the compost, as part of our promotion of International Compost Awareness Week (6-12 May),” Mayor Asfour said.

“Canterbury-Bankstown was the first council in Australia to close the loop when it comes to the reuse of garden cuttings.

“We produce compost from the contents placed in green bins throughout the City and offer it to residents free of charge.

“Our compost meets Australian standards and our model has been investigated by other councils in Australia and overseas, which are looking to do the same.”

Jacquie Dredge, from Riverwood Community Garden, said compost is a vital component of any garden and often a luxury resource for community groups.

“Compost drastically improves soil quality which not only results in healthier and stronger plants but also means you don’t have to water as often,” Ms Dredge said.

“Riverwood Community Garden is located in the middle of a number of unit blocks, so our members cherish having a bit of open space to grow their own fruit and veggies.”

Since the program began in 2012, Council has given away 1,430 tonnes of compost and mulch.

“This is a win for the environment and a huge win for our residents because this closed loop process not only is providing them with free garden products, but also represents an annual saving to Council of $1.5 million,” Mayor Asfour said.

"We have found the compost is by far the most popular so we are now concentrating on that product to meet the growing need.”

More than 1,500 residents took advantage of the most recent Wheelie Good Compost giveaway, with the next scheduled for Sunday 27 May. Online registration is essential.

For more information, visit cb.city/wheeliegood