Council to investigate ways to keep food waste out of landfill

Redland City Council will investigate options to divert food and garden waste from landfill, while at the same time creating a nutrient rich product for local gardens.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams asked today for Council to investigate a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service across the city, helping the environment and residents’ hip-pockets.

“Food Organics and Garden Organics makes up about 23 per cent of all waste collected in kerbside waste collection,” Cr Williams said.

“Based on 2014-15 figures, this means each year almost 25,000 tonnes of food and organics waste goes into landfill.

“That’s not only bad for the environment, it’s like throwing money away; so today I have asked for Council to investigate ways we can divert this potentially valuable product to an alternative use.

“Food waste is also a large contributor to greenhouse gases through the production of methane, so by finding ways to use it on our gardens rather than putting it in the ground we will also be helping the environment.”

Cr Williams, who is the Deputy Chair of the South East Queensland Council of Mayors waste working group, said her Mayoral Minute also asked Council officers to investigate regional options across neighbouring councils, as well as working with community partners.

“As the old saying goes, one person’s trash is another’s treasure; and with FOGO having the potential to be treated and used as nutrient rich compost and soil, this decision could ultimately help local green thumbs, while also creating a new economy for the city,” she said.

“We have some very passionate local gardening groups that we will look to engage in this conversation also.

“The waste sector is changing dramatically and at this stage it is unclear how the introduction of the State Government’s waste levy will impact Redlands Coast, so it makes sense to look at ways to reduce our waste going to landfill.