Council subsidy makes composting more affordable for residents

Composting has become more affordable for Redlands Coast residents following the introduction of a compost bin subsidy by Redland City Council.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said the subsidy would not only help residents generate compost for their gardens but would also divert organic waste from landfill.

“Waste audits on Redlands Coast indicate about 7800 tonnes of food waste ends up in kerbside general waste bins each year, making up about 17 per cent of what is sent to landfill,” she said.

“Council, along with the Queensland Government, has a vision for a zero waste future and composting is one of the biggest things the community can do to achieve this vision.

“Council has developed an Organics Transformation Roadmap to address this issue and to support the community in learning about the benefits of composting.

“This includes the implementation of a compost bin subsidy to help residents set up their own composting system.”

Council has partnered with Compost Revolution to provide a subsidy of up to 80 per cent off the retail price for compost bins, worm farms and bokashi bins.

Compost Revolution will also provide training on how to compost and how to choose the right system and will offer post-purchase support and troubleshooting.

The Mayor said the subsidy aligned with community feedback during consultation for Council’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2021-2030.

“The responses to that plan demonstrated strong support for composting at home and in the community and suggestions to facilitate this included the introduction of a compost equipment subsidy scheme,” she said.

“I encourage residents to support this initiative and convert their food waste into valuable compost for their gardens.

“Composting is a fun activity to do with children and has the added benefits of removing smells from kerbside bins and reducing methane and carbon dioxide emissions in landfill.”

The subsidy is limited to one item per household and all products are subject to price change, availability and subsidy limits.

For more information, visit redland.qld.gov.au/CompostSubsidy