Managing food waste

Nillumbik was one of the first Victorian councils to accept food waste in the green waste bin. Since 2003, tonnes of garden and food waste in Nillumbik have been taken to a commercial composting facility and turned into compost for use on farms, vineyards and community gardens across Victoria.

Keeping food waste out of the landfill bin is a simple step we can take to reduce carbon emissions. When food breaks down in landfill it releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Place food waste in the green waste bin or home compost bin and save it from landfill, to create compost instead.

Food waste for the green waste bin

Discounted compost bin and worm farms

Composting your food scraps and garden clipping at home provides an excellent source of free garden food. It also further reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is the most climate friendly way to manage your food and garden waste. 

Nillumbik households are eligible to one compost system at 50 per cent off the recommended retail price. Products available include a compost bin, worm farm, bokashi bin and helpful accessories. They can be ordered online through Compost Revolution or purchased from Edendale Community Farm. 

Free kitchen caddy

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To help Nillumbik residents easily separate their food waste, Council is providing free kitchen caddies. These small bins can sit on your kitchen bench top ready to collect food scraps in the kitchen.   

Kitchen caddies can be picked up from locations across the Shire. 

Pre-order your caddy 

Fill out the order form to collect your caddy from one of three locations: 

  • Edendale Community Environment Farm, 50 Gastons Road, Eltham. Mon to Fri 10am-4pm, Sat and Sun 10am-3pm.
  • Hurstbridge Community Hub, 50 Graysharps Road, Hurstbridge. Mon to Fri 9am-3pm.
  • Panton Hill Living & Learning, 18 Bishops Rd, Panton Hill. Mon to Thu 9am-3pm.
  • Council Civic Centre,  32 Civic Drive, Greensborough. Mon to Fri 9am-5pm

Order your caddy

The caddy is a one-off complimentary item for Nillumbik households and will be available for a limited time only.

Tips to manage your food waste for the green waste bin

  • Use a kitchen caddy or other container to collect your food scraps.
  • Clean and rinse your green waste bin and kitchen caddy regularly.
  • Use paper towel or newspaper to line your caddy or to wrap loose food scraps.
  • Place some garden waste (leaves, grass clippings or weeds) at the bottom of your green bin.
  • Layer food waste with garden waste.
  • Allow hot food to cool down before placing in your green waste bin.
  • Store foods such as seafood or meat in the freezer or fridge until bin night.
  • Sprinkle bi-carb (baking soda) in your kitchen caddy to absorb any potential odours.
  • Keep your green waste bin in shade.
  • Put your green waste bin out for collection each week, even if it isn’t full.

Where does your green waste go

Council's green waste is taken to Veolia compost facility and recycled to use on farms and gardens across Victoria. This video shows how your green waste is composted.

 

Food waste and green waste bin FAQs