If you’re like most Australians, you probably toss your food scraps straight into the bin without a second thought. But what if we told you those potato peels, coffee grounds, and wilted lettuce leaves are a hidden treasure?
Composting is more than just a buzzword for green thumbs—it’s a simple, practical way to reduce your household waste, save money, and do your bit for the planet. And the best part? Anyone can do it, whether you have a sprawling backyard or a tiny apartment balcony.
Let’s start with the big picture. When food scraps end up in a landfill, they don’t just harmlessly break down.
Buried under layers of rubbish, they decompose without oxygen (anaerobically), producing methane, a greenhouse gas over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Food waste is a major contributor to Australia’s landfill emissions.
Composting, on the other hand, is a natural recycling process. Turning your organic waste into nutrient-rich compost slashes your household’s carbon footprint and creates a valuable resource for your garden or pot plants.
Studies show that composting can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food waste by more than 50 per cent, depending on the method and materials used.
Before you start composting, it’s worth reviewing your food habits. Rachel Kernaghan, ecological education manager at Sydney’s Kimbriki Resource Recovery Centre, suggests planning your meals, shopping with a list, and making the most of what you already have in the fridge.
Not only does this reduce waste, but it also saves you money at the checkout. Are you worried you don’t have the space or time for composting? Think again! There’s a solution for every household, from classic backyard heaps to high-tech kitchen gadgets.
1. Traditional compost bins and heaps
The classic compost heap—a pile of garden and kitchen waste left to break down in a corner of the yard—is still a great option if you have the space.
These days, enclosed compost bins and tumblers are more popular, especially in suburban backyards. They keep things tidy, reduce smells, and help keep out rodents.
With a bit of turning and the right mix of ‘greens’ (food scraps, grass clippings) and ‘browns’ (dry leaves, cardboard), you’ll have rich, crumbly compost in a few months.
2. Worm farms
Short on space? Worm farms are a compact, low-maintenance option for courtyards, balconies, or indoors.
These clever systems use special composting worms to munch through your scraps, producing worm castings (a fantastic soil conditioner) and ‘worm tea’ (a liquid fertiliser for your plants).
Just remember, worms are a bit fussy—they don’t like citrus, onions, or too much meat, and they prefer their food chopped up small.
3. Bokashi bins
If you want something for the kitchen bench, consider a Bokashi bin. This Japanese invention uses special microbes to ferment all kinds of food waste—even things that worms and traditional composters can’t handle, like meat, dairy, and citrus.
The process produces a nutrient-rich liquid that can be diluted and used on your plants, plus ‘pickled’ scraps that can be buried in the garden or added to a compost bin.
4. Council FOGO bins and community composting
Don’t have the time or inclination to compost at home? Many local councils now offer Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins, which are collected kerbside and processed at industrial composting facilities.
These systems can handle a broader range of materials, including bones and compostable packaging. Alternatively, check if a community garden, school, or local composting scheme accepts food scraps.
How to choose the right system for you
With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. Rebecca Bliss from Sustainability Victoria said the key is finding a convenient system that suits your lifestyle.
Many councils and gardening groups offer free or discounted composting workshops, and organisations like Compost Revolution can help you choose the best setup for your needs, sometimes even delivering a discounted bin or worm farm to your door.
No garden? No problem! Compost can be used in pot plants, given to friends or neighbours, or donated to community gardens. Some apartment blocks are even starting to offer shared composting facilities.
The most important thing is to start. Don’t worry about getting it perfect—every banana peel or coffee ground you compost is a win for the environment. And if you hit a snag, there’s plenty of help available online, from council resources to friendly gardening groups.
Have you tried composting at home? What’s worked for you, and what hasn’t? Share your tips, questions, or funny composting stories in the comments below.
Also read: Why healthy eating may be the best way to reduce food waste
