Moreton Bay Regional Council is calling on residents to help reduce the amount of food scraps and garden waste going to landfill as part of International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW May 5 – 11).

Council’s Spokesperson for Waste Services, Councillor Adam Hain said residents could turn their homes into a sustainable environment by applying some simple techniques.

“Last year, more than 62,000 tonnes of garden waste was delivered to Council’s waste management facilities for mulching and turning into compost for your garden,” he said.

“If you want to learn how to make your own compost, but don’t know how, then I encourage you to attend our free composting and worm farming workshops.

“Reusable options in your own backyard for lawn clippings and food scraps allows these nutrients to work for you, rather than buried in a landfill.

“Why not grow fruit, vegetables and herbs in your garden, which will enhance your household sustainability; you don’t have to water as much because the compost helps the soil to retain moisture.

“Since 2009, over 19 schools and 33 Early Learning Centres in our region have adopted sustainable practices.

“From recycling collection programs or processing their organic waste onsite, using compost or worm farms, schools have helped to reduce their general waste by about 8,500 tonnes.”

As part of ICAW, between Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, Council will offer free mulch loading for residents at the Bunya, Caboolture, Dakabin and Redcliffe Waste Facilities from 9am and noon.

For more information and to book a seat in council’s free compost workshops and council’s free mulch and mulch loading, available during ICAW, visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Waste-Recycling/Rethink-Waste/Waste-Campaigns  or call 3205 0555.

Composting workshops will be held at Kumbartcho Environmental Centre, 15 Bunya Pine Crt, Eatons Hill, Redcliffe Botanical Gardens, George Street entrance, Redcliffe, and the CREEC Environmental Centre, 150 Rowley Rd, Burpengary.

Book for the free Mother’s day repurposing workshop at the Dakabin Treasure Market on Saturday 11 May from 10-11am at www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Waste-Recycling/Rethink-Waste/Recycling-Workshops

To find out how to make your own compost head to www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Waste-Recycling/Education .