REDLAND City Council will look into ways to deal with food and garden waste to avoid it going into landfill.
Mayor Karen Williams said food organics and garden organics made up 23 per cent of collected kerbside waste.
“Based on 2014-15 figures, this means each year almost 25,000 tonnes of food and organics waste goes into landfill,” Cr Williams said.
“That’s not only bad for the environment, it’s like throwing money away.”
Cr Williams said the potentially valuable food and garden waste could be used to create a nutrient rich product for gardens.
“Food waste is also a large contributor to greenhouse gases through the production of methane, so by finding ways to use it on our gardens rather than putting it in the ground we will also be helping the environment.”
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Cr Williams, who is deputy chair of the South East Queensland Council of Mayors waste working group, also called for council officers to investigate regional options across neighbouring councils, as well as working with community partners.
“As the old saying goes, one person’s trash is another’s treasure; and with FOGO having the potential to be treated and used as nutrient rich compost and soil, this decision could ultimately help local green thumbs, while also creating a new economy for the city,” she said.
“We have some very passionate local gardening groups that we will look to engage in this conversation also.
“The waste sector is changing dramatically and at this stage it is unclear how the introduction of the state government’s waste levy will impact Redlands Coast, so it makes sense to look at ways to reduce our waste going to landfill.”
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