Food scraps recycling service

We’ve recently completed an important pilot with residential properties.

The hands of a person scraping food scraps into a caddy bin.

About the trial

In July 2019, we began an important trial involving the separate collection and recycling of food scraps from residential properties.

This trial ended in October 2021. Our team is evaluating the trial results to inform a wider service rollout, subject to Council approval. In the meantime, we’re continuing to collect and recycle food scraps from properties that participated in the trial.

Food waste typically makes up one-third of our residents’ red lid rubbish bins. By collecting and recycling food scraps separately, we can reduce waste to landfill. We can then convert the food scraps into compost for use on gardens and farms.

Currently, the service is available to around 1,000 houses and over 265 apartment buildings across the city, comprising more than 20,200 households.

 

What we want to achieve 

The food scraps recycling service is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nourish our environment. The trial was an initiative of our Leave nothing to waste – waste strategy and action plan 2017–2030 and is one of the actions we’re taking to help achieve our zero-waste target by 2030.

The results of our trial will shape future food scraps recycling services across our local area.

What happens to your scraps

Our food scraps are sent to a composting facility that converts the scraps into composts, mulch and soil conditioners. These products are then sold into the agriculture and horticultural markets for use on gardens and farms.

 

Don’t have the service? Other options for food scraps recycling

If your house or building isn’t participating in the service, you can still recycle your food scraps and play your part in reducing food sent to landfill.

Think about composting food scraps or setting up a worm farm. Check out our tips for composting. Bokashi bins are also a great alternative for those living in apartments.

Alternatively, you could get involved in community-run food scrap recycling initiatives like ShareWaste or Positive Waste

Avoiding food waste in the first place

You can avoid or reduce food waste by planning your meals, shopping wisely, being creative with leftovers, and storing food correctly.

Love Food Hate Waste and Cornersmith have partnered to create a free online series of video tutorials. Learn ways to reduce food waste in your kitchen, including storage tips, dinner ideas, low-waste snack recipes and other helpful waste hacks.

Kitchen Hand is an online platform that helps you plan and manage food, save money and reduce food waste. You'll find recipes, leftover hacks, seasonal produce guides and a food tracker to help you use up what you have.

This project was supported by the Environmental Trust as part of the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.
NSW Government