Compost crusader saves a tonne of scraps

SIX months ago, when Gillian Black joined the ShareWaste initiative and opened her compost bins to the locals, she had no idea she’d save one tonne of scraps from landfill.

“I was surprised without a doubt, I thought we might get a tonne within a year but not within six months, I think that’s phenomenal,” she said.

ShareWaste is a free web app that connects composters to those wanting to donate green waste and since joining has seen Gillian receive a myriad of scraps since July.

“The drop offs have increased, not really via the ShareWaste app, but people driving past or by word of mouth and seeing they can drop things off,” she said.

“It’s been pretty regular, pretty constant and when I do post, when we’ve hit a milestone more people are aware and more people drop off.”

Mrs Black said at this point she was not affiliated with any local primary schools but hoped they might get the ShareWaste app and start collecting their own scraps.

“I’m hoping local schools come on board in their own community and they’ll be able to get scraps for their own compost.

“The fact a tonne of scraps has been composted means it doesn’t fill up landfill. When you send thi sort of stuff, it creates methane gas but when you compost it in your own garden, it doesn’t.

“It’s a much more environmentally friendly way of breaking it down.”

Mrs Black said she envisioned a system where she would receive scraps from the community, compost them and grow produce which she would eventually redistribute.

“This summer I’ve been giving people produce from my garden. The circle I imagined would happen is starting to work of people giving to me and me giving back to them.

“I’m more surprised than proud but I’m pleased, obviously and blown away by how much waste we’ve saved.”

It seems the feeling is mutual with the ShareWaste app creators contacting Gillian to let her know they’ve now got a photo of her on their wall.

“The Bellarine Peninsula is tiny compared to the composters in Melbourne and thousands in Sydney.

They were blown away by how much I’ve received,” she said.

“If we all save a little bit of waste that adds up to thousands of tonnes. Some people have said they’re worried they’re only giving me a tiny bit but it all matters. You can’t have a big bit without all these little bits.”

Gillian said she is happy to answer any questions and can be contacted via Facebook.

For more information on the ShareWaste initiative, head to sharewaste.com.