Green Waste

 

Home Composting

Composting is nature's way of recycling organics and makes sense because it:

1. Protects our environment

  • Your garden and kitchen organics are a valuable natural resource that is wasted by landfilling, or by being burnt.
  • Organic matter in the landfill is a major source of methane, a greenhouse gas, and leachate, which is a harmful liquid that must be safely managed.
  • The less garden and kitchen waste we send to landfill the less methane and leachate is produced.
  • Burning garden waste pollutes the air.
  • Adding compost to the soil improves the fertility; it encourages soil life (like worms) and promotes plant growth.
  • Compost or mulch also helps to protect the soil from heavy rain.

2. Saves money

  • It is cheaper to compost greenwaste and veggies than to dispose of them in the household rubbish.
  • Using compost means you can reduce the amount of fertiliser you need to buy to feed your plants.
  • Reducing what we take to landfill will save the region money in the long term because it will make our landfills last longer.

3. Saves time

  • Using compost as mulch will reduce the need for weeding your garden.
  • Home composting is quick to do and potentially smelly organics are not kept in your rubbish bag waiting for your collection day.

Useful Links http://www.ccc.govt.nz/Waste/Composting/

Bokashi is another concept of composting organic waste.

Greenwaste Accepted for Composting

Greenwaste of plant matter, other than flax, bamboo, cabbage tree leaves, tree stumps or branches greater than 75mm diameter is accepted at the greenwaste rate.

To find out about Green waste options and charges in your area contact the Waste Management and Resources Officer.

Location http://www.westland.govt.nz/index.cfm/1,423,0,0,html

Copyright © Westland District Council 2010

For more information contact the Council.