‘Worm-lovers’ to use new COGG compost program

CITY of Greater Geelong residents looking to give composting a go will get the chance to with the help of a new subsidised home composting program launched last week.

The new city-led initiative will allow composters taking part in the program to save more than $100 on compost bins and worm farms in partnership with project partners Wormlovers.

Products on offer in the program include traditional compost bins and worm farms, compact bokashi systems for smaller households and even models designed for breaking down dog poo.

Cr Belinda Moloney, chair of the council’s circular economy portfolio, said she had three bins at home and found composting a great way to convert waste into a useful product for houseplants and the garden.

“Composting at home can take as little as 15 minutes a week to organise, with huge benefits to the environment and your home garden,” Cr Moloney said.

“Whether you’re in an apartment or have a big garden, our new subsidised home composting program has options for everyone to start taking control of their food waste at home.”

About 40 per cent of household landfill waste by weight comes from food.

Food waste sent to landfill creates greenhouse gas emissions both during transport and as it breaks down, with specialised food waste processing facilities still rare in Victoria.

Last year the city set an ambitious goal to divert 100 per cent of kerbside garbage, recyclables and green organics from landfill by 2030.

A 12-month food waste collection trial began in November in Lara, with plans for a gradual roll-out across Greater Geelong from 2024.

Residents of Greater Geelong can access one discount per household on a first-come, first-served basis at the initiative’s online shop at geelong.wormlovers.com.au/shop.

The shop already reflects discounted prices, with savings of up to 40 per cent to be had on some systems.

A free online workshop for those new to home composting will be held on April 7 at 5.30pm. Tickets are available online – search “Composting and Worm Farming at Home – Greater Geelong” on Eventbrite.