Where does your food waste go?

14 November 2018 - Media release

Campaspe Shire Council is asking the community a series of questions about food and garden waste through an online survey.

Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston said council approved a food and garden waste service to be introduced into all residential areas from 1 July 2019. This is an expansion of the current system providing a green lid bin for garden waste through a fortnightly kerbside collection.

“About 6,200 households across the shire have selected this service, with residents able to ‘pick n mix’ the kerbside service that meets their household’s needs,” Cr Weston said.

The survey seeks to understand what residents do with their food scraps now, would they add food scraps to the green lid bin when the extended service starts, and if they don’t have a green lid bin, what they do with garden waste now.

“All data received will help us understand how residents will participate in the food and garden waste service once in operation,” Cr Weston said.

Food waste currently makes up 37 per cent of the waste stream and removing this significant component will go a long way to reducing waste to landfill and reducing our landfill fees.

“More importantly, it will provide good environmental outcomes as organic material produces methane gas as it breaks down in landfill. This methane is 25 times worse than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas,” Cr Weston said.

“By planning well in advance of the start date, 1 July 2019, we can ensure the community understands how to use the service which will lead to maximum participation and minimal contamination. We are also using information gained from other councils to ensure our program’s success.”

The survey is now open and can be accessed via council’s website, with two prizes on offer just for entering.

In addition to the online survey, a phone survey will also take place asking the same questions.

The survey closes on Wednesday, 19 December. Click here to access the survey