Brimbank residents will soon be able to add food scraps to their green waste bin.
From Friday, July 1, council will accept food scraps in the municipality’s light green lidded bins, in addition to garden clippings.
According to council, food organics make up about 50 per cent of waste in garbage bins and ends up in landfill. When food breaks down in landfill it produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
However, food scraps in green waste bins can be turned into mulch and compost.
Mayor Jasmine Nguyen said Victorian households throw out about in 250,000 tonnes of food each year, which is enough to fill Melbourne’s Eureka Tower.
“Adding food scraps to our green waste bins is one easy way we can all reduce our individual carbon footprint, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and live more sustainably. If you haven’t already got a green waste bin, why not look into it now?” Cr Nguyen said.
There is no additional charge for residents to add food waste in their green waste bin, and no changes to when green waste bins are collected.
The types of food waste accepted in green waste bins includes fruit and vegetable scraps, meat and bones, seafood, dairy products, egg shells, bread, pasta, rice, coffee grounds and loose leaf tea.
Don’t place any type of plastic, paper, animal droppings, kitty litter, coffee pods, nappies, or liquids in this bin. These items will contaminate your waste, and it will not be able to be turned into mulch or compost.
Details: brimbank.vic.gov.au/greenwaste
