Turning waste into ‘green gold’

SOUTHERN Downs residents are set to learn how to turn organic waste into green gold, thanks to two workshops later this month.
The workshops, aimed at teaching residents the finer points of composting and worm farming, will be held at Warwick Library on 23 March and Stanthorpe Civic Centre on 25 March.
Southern Downs Regional Council Environmental Services manager Tim O’Brien said many residents might not be aware that more than 50 per cent of the domestic rubbish going into Southern Downs waste facilities was actually organic waste such as garden clippings and food scraps.
Mr O’Brien said organic waste was actually “green gold” and can be used for very effective composting, providing the combined advantages of reducing landfill and producing a rich garden fertiliser.
Southern Downs residents are able to learn about composting and worm farming at two free community workshops.
“The workshops will cover a number of topics including home composting, worm farming, recycling initiatives and tips and hints for reducing waste,” he said.
Mr O’Brien said council statistics showed that Southern Down residents were producing more waste each year than in previous years.
“Over half of the average waste bin in the Southern Downs region is composed of garden waste, food and kitchen waste.
“And while residents are recycling more, some non-recyclable materials are still going in to recycling bins and some recyclable materials are still ending up at landfill.
“If you are keen to learn more about the simple steps you can take to minimise your household’s waste, the importance of correctly sorting and separating your recyclable materials and the benefits of establishing a backyard composting or worm farming system, then our free community workshops are just for you.”
Did you know …
Over 50 per cent of the domestic waste disposed to landfill by the average Southern Downs family each week is actually organic waste such as garden waste and food scraps that could be composted?
As well as composting fruit and vegetable scraps, you can also compost teabags, coffee grounds, egg shells, paper, hair and even vacuum cleaner dust?
A worm farm makes use of special compost worms that can eat up to half their body weight every day and double their population every two to three months?
Light refreshments will be provided and there will also be a compost bin or worm farm giveaway to one lucky participant. Registrations for the workshop are essential as numbers are limited.
To book a place at the workshop, contact council’s Waste Education Team on (07) 3457 2400 or email: SDRCWasteEd@envirocom.com.au.
Workshops: Monday, 23 March from 6pm – 8pm Warwick Library 49 Albion Street, Warwick Wednesday, 25 March from 6pm – 8pm Stanthorpe Civic Centre 61 Marsh Street, Stanthorpe.