Food waste is a valuable resource that can be recycled into compost for gardens.
By recycling food scraps in a home compost system, you are helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lowering the cost of waste disposal to the community.
Home composting rebate scheme
Council’s Home Composting Rebate Scheme offers a 50% rebate (up to $40 maximum) when a resident spends $40 or more on eligible home composting products within 12 months prior to submitting a rebate application.
Find out more below.
Home composting rebate scheme
Council’s Home Composting Rebate Scheme offers a 50% rebate (up to $40 maximum) when a resident spends $40 or more on eligible home composting products within 12 months prior to submitting a rebate application.
If you are a City of Marion resident (and have not previously claimed a composting rebate from the Council) you can apply for a rebate from Council when you buy:
A compost bin
A worm farm
Bokashi bucket or starter kit
Compost worms (booster boxes)
Rebates can also apply to:
Two compost bins in one purchase and claim a rebate on the total cost of both items.
A compost bin and an aerator tool and claim a rebate on the total cost of both items.
These composting products can be found for sale in garden centres, hardware stores, or from online retailers.
The form contains instructions about the additional documents you need to submit with the application form.
Claims can only be made for purchases made within the previous 12 months.
Rebate terms and conditions
One rebate per household (once you have received a rebate, you are not eligible for a rebate in future years).
Purchases must have been made within the previous 12 months.
Rebates are applicable to minimum purchases of $40 on eligible composting products.
Worm farming
As a guide worms will eat any item that was once a living thing, listed below are some of the more common items that are suitable for worm farms
What materials can go in a worm farm?
Coffee grounds
Egg cartons (torn & soaked first)
Eggshells
Most fruit and vegetables (except citrus, tomato, onion, garlic)
Hair clippings (including animal)
Manures - well aged horse and chicken manure
Newspapers (torn & soaked first)
Paper
Pizza boxes (torn & soaked first)
Tea bags and leaves
Tips for successful worm farming:
To increase the rate that worms eat your waste, we suggest mashing, blending or chopping the food into smaller pieces.
A handful of lime or crushed oyster shells or eggshells or ashes from a fire will help to balance any acidity.
Pre-soak any dry materials such as paper, card and old manures to keep the moisture levels up in your worm farm.
Using compost bins
Any item that was once part of a living thing can be composted. Listed below are some of the more common items that are suitable for home composting.
What materials can go in a compost bin?
Bark
Bread
Cereals
Dairy products*
Eggshells
Flowers
Food scraps
Fruit and vegetables
Garden waste
Grass clippings
Hair
Hay/Straw
Horse and chicken manure
Leaves
Meat*
Paper
Sawdust
Vacuum cleaner dust
Wood ash
* Avoid placing meat or dairy products in the compost until you are confident and experienced with composting methods and your compost heap is working well.
Tips for successful composting
To get your compost heap working well you need a mixture of ingredients as well as water and air.
If you add dry materials to your heap make sure you add a bucket of water; your compost heap should be as moist as a well wrung out sponge.
Aerate your compost with a garden fork or aerator, every couple of weeks to make sure it is getting enough air.
Home composting workshops
Do you want to reduce your waste to landfill, help the environment and improve your garden?
Starting a compost system at home is really easy once you have the tools and know-how.
Sign up and learn how to effectively turn your kitchen scraps into compost in your own backyard.
To register your interest for the next workshop, please email the address below (including your name and address) or call City of Marion.
