$20 Rebate from Council for Compost Bins & Worm Farms

There has never been a better time to buy a compost bin or worm farm!

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is offering a $20 rebate for residents who purchase either composting system for their household as part of a new community composting program.

Cassowary Coast Mayor John Kremastos is encouraging residents to bring in, or send in, their compost bin or worm farm tax invoice receipt to receive the new $20 rebate.

He said composting was a step towards a more sustainable region.

"We are encouraging everyone, from larger property owners to those living in units, to be part of this program,'' he said.  "While we are anticipating more people will be interested in compost bins, worm farms are great for those who don't have a big back yard because they can be set-up in a garage or carport.''

Planning, Environmental Services and Waste portfolio holder Cr Glenn Raleigh said the composting program tied in with Council's new all-of-region kerbside wet and dry waste collection service and a focus on reducing the amount of waste going to landfill in the Cassowary Coast region.

"About half of all household waste is organic matter which can be recycled through composting," Cr Raleigh said.  "This includes everything from food scraps to newspaper, shredded cardboard and lawn clippings."

"Composting reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfill and also helps to reduce contamination and greenhouse gases."

Council is offering one rebate per household.  Residents can buy their compost bin or worm farm anywhere. 

They will need to fill in an application form, provide Council with the tax invoice and some kind of proof of residency (e.g. a bill with their address on it) to claim the $20 rebate.

The rebate can be collected from Innisfail and Tully customer service desks when the information is handed in, or it can be deposited into a bank account if the information is sent to Council.  Applications forms are available at customer service desks, libraries and on council's website.

Residents will also receive a composting information pack with tips on the best locations for compost bins and worm farms and on setting-up and creating compost. The pack also includes a 'trouble-shooting' section and a council officer to contact if anyone needs more help.

Cr Raleigh said Council had a sustainability working group and the community composting program was one of series of new initiatives including an energy audit of council facilities to determine ways to improve the energy efficiency of those buildings from lighting to air-conditioning.