Turning Waste into Gold: Lessons from the Geraldton Composting Workshop

This weekend, I attended an inspiring composting workshop hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton. Presented by Sharka from Donut Waste and supported by Wormworks, the session highlighted the power of composting in reducing food waste, cutting methane emissions, and improving soil health.

Australia ranks as the third-largest food waster globally, after China and the USA. Food waste decomposing in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting is a powerful solution—it not only diverts waste from landfills but also restores nutrients to our soils, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.

In this post, I’ll share the workshop highlights, including the importance of composting, actionable sustainability tips, and a step-by-step guide to composting using various methods.

The Food Waste Problem

Globally, food waste is a massive issue, and Australia isn’t immune. Around 7.3 million tonnes of food waste end up in landfills each year, costing billions of dollars and causing severe environmental damage.

Programs like the National Food Waste Strategy aim to reduce food waste by half by 2030, but individual and community efforts are crucial. Composting is one way to take direct action—and it starts with you.

Learn more about the National Food Waste Strategy here.

How to Compost: Step-by-Step Guide for Different Methods

Composting doesn’t have to be complicated! Here’s a breakdown of four popular composting methods:

1. Traditional Composting (Compost Pile or Bin)

Best for: Those with a backyard or outdoor space.

Step-by-Step:

1. Choose Your Location: Pick a shady, well-drained spot.

2. Start Your Layers:

   • Add a layer of "browns" (dry leaves, shredded cardboard, straw).

   • Follow with a layer of "greens" (fruit/veggie scraps, coffee grounds).

3. Maintain the Balance: Aim for a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens. This prevents odours and ensures proper decomposition.

4. Keep It Moist: Your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Add water if it’s too dry.

5. Turn Regularly: Aerate the pile every 1–2 weeks to speed up decomposition.

6. Harvest Your Compost: After 2–6 months, your compost will be dark, crumbly, and ready to use.

   
   

2. In-Ground Composting (Using Repurposed Bins or Holes)

Best for: Smaller spaces or discrete composting.

Step-by-Step:

1. Repurpose Old Bins: Drill holes in the sides and cut out the bottom of a broken bin or bucket.

2. Bury the Bin: Dig a hole deep enough to place the bin with its lid above ground level.

3. Add Scraps: Place food waste directly into the bin, layering with soil.

4. Cover It: Always add a layer of soil or mulch on top to keep pests out.

5. Let Nature Do the Work: The compost will break down over time, enriching the surrounding soil.

   
   

3. Vermicomposting (Worm Farming)

Best for: Indoors or small spaces.

Step-by-Step:

1. Get a Worm Bin: You can purchase one from a local supplier like Bunnings or make your own.

2. Add Bedding: Line the bottom of the bin with damp newspaper, coconut coir, or shredded cardboard.

3. Introduce Worms: Use red wigglers or tiger worms, which are best for composting. You can find locally grown worms from Wormworks.

4. Feed Your Worms:

   • Add small amounts of food scraps.

5. Harvest Vermicast: After 3–6 months, collect the nutrient-rich worm castings to use in your garden.

For more details on vermicomposting, check it out here.

4. Bokashi

Best for: Indoors, small spaces, or those who want to compost meat and dairy.

Bokashi composting is a Japanese method that ferments food scraps using beneficial microbes. Unlike traditional composting, Bokashi can handle a wider range of food waste, including meat, dairy, and oily foods. It’s ideal for households with limited outdoor space.

Step-by-Step:

• Get a Bokashi Bucket: Purchase a Bokashi bucket with a tight-fitting lid and a spigot for draining liquid. You can find these at local garden centres or online.

• Add Food Scraps: Place food scraps in the bucket, layering them as you go. Chop larger items into smaller pieces to speed up fermentation.

• Sprinkle Bokashi Bran: After adding food scraps, sprinkle a handful of Bokashi bran (available at gardening stores). This introduces the beneficial microbes needed for fermentation.

• Press Down the Layers: Use a tamper or similar tool to compress the layers and remove air pockets. Air can disrupt the anaerobic fermentation process.

• Seal the Lid Tightly: Always close the lid securely to maintain the anaerobic environment.

• Drain Liquid Weekly: Use the spigot to drain the nutrient-rich liquid (often called “Bokashi tea”). Dilute it 1:100 with water and use it as a liquid fertiliser for your plants.

• Let It Ferment: Once the bucket is full, leave it sealed for 1–2 weeks to complete the fermentation process.

• Bury or Add to Compost: The fermented waste will have a sour smell but will not be fully broken down. You can bury it directly in your garden soil, where it will decompose quickly, or add it to a traditional compost bin to finish breaking down.

  
  

Composting Tips from the Workshop

• Break It Down: Chopping or blending scraps speeds up decomposition.

• Check the Label: Only "home compostable" products will break down in your compost. Look for certifications.

  
  

  

  
  

• Start Small: Composting doesn’t have to be intimidating—begin with just a few food scraps and build up as you learn.

  
  

Other Actions You Can Take

Composting is just one way to contribute to a sustainable future. Here are other steps you can take:

• Choose Products Without Packaging: Reduce waste by selecting package-free or refillable items.

• Support Sustainable Businesses: Shop local and support companies committed to eco-friendly practices.

• Vote for Change: Elect leaders who prioritise sustainability and invest in environmental initiatives.

  
  

Resources to Follow

The workshop introduced several valuable resources for learning about composting and sustainability:

• Donut Waste: Instagram

• Wormworks: Facebook

• City of Greater Geraldton: Learn more about their programs here.

  
  

Join the Movement

Composting transforms food waste into a valuable resource, enriching our soils and helping to fight climate change. Whether you start with a small worm bin or a full composting system, every action contributes to a greener Geraldton.

For more tips, stories, and inspiration, follow me on my blog and socials:

• Facebook: here

• TikTok: here

  
  

Let’s turn waste into gold, one compost pile at a time!