Food Waste Recycling

From June, all Kingston residents with a green bin have been able to recycle their food scraps along with their garden waste so it can be composted and used in our parks and gardens and help farmers grow healthy crops.

With the help of our community we are diverting rubbish from landfill, which is expensive and harmful for the environment and contributing to the creation of high-quality compost.

If you’d like to start recycling food waste but don’t have a green bin you can order one here.

When you receive your caddy, you will receive more detailed information on what can and cannot go in your green bin. You can also download a copy of our information booklet.

Frequently asked questions

Food recycling

What is food recycling?

Food recycling in Kingston will mean that your green bin will become a food and green waste bin. All types of food scraps including meat, fish, bones, cooked food and dairy products – will soon go in the same bin as your garden clippings and green waste.

Why should I recycle food waste?

Food waste makes up about 50% of Kingston’s household waste sent to landfill. By placing your food waste into your green bin, you will be doing your bit to help the environment and contribute to the creation of nutrient rich compost that can be used by Victorian farmers to grow healthy crops.

What happens to my food and garden waste after it is collected?

Food and garden waste is turned into compost at a commercial facility in Dandenong South. It is then used on farms, parks and gardens to improve soil.

What can I put in my caddy/green bin?

When can I start putting food scraps in my green bin?

In June this year Council will send every home with an existing green bin a food waste caddy and compostable caddy liners. The caddy will be delivered by truck and placed in a safe location for your property.

The caddy can be kept in your kitchen and used to collect your food waste; you can then empty the caddy into your green bin with your garden waste.

Bin collections

Will my bins be emptied like normal?

Yes, your green bin will still be collected every fortnight as per your normal collection schedule.

Your red general waste bin will continue to be collected weekly and your yellow recycling bin will continue to be collected fortnightly. 

Can I start putting my food scraps in my green bin before I get my caddy?

Yes, you don't have to wait for your caddy to be delivered.  

Will my food and green waste bin attract pests?

If you place your food waste in the green bin with the lid closed, it should not attract pests. The food waste is the same material that was previously disposed in the garbage bin, it is only changing bins. The use of the provided liners will reduce odours and the potential for pests.

Can business have their food waste collected?

No, at this stage our food recycling service will not cater for commercial quantities of food waste.

Do I need a green waste bin to have my food waste recycled?

Yes. Food recycling in Kingston will mean that your green bin will become a food and green waste bin. All types of food scraps including meat, fish, bones, cooked food and dairy products – will soon go in the same bin as your garden clippings and green waste.

All food waste that goes into your red bin will go into landfill.

If you don't have a green bin you can order one here.

Is Council going to introduce a smaller green bin than the current size (120litres)?

No, however for unit block residents a shared green bin may be suitable.  

If I live in an apartment, can I use my green bin for food scraps?

Yes, if your apartment block uses our garbage service. We can’t offer the service if a private contractor collects your rubbish.

To check if your service is a Council service or private contractor please contact your building management.

Caddys

Why do I have to use a food waste caddy?

A kitchen caddy makes it easier to collect scraps as you prepare food. You can use your own container if you prefer or simply throw your food scraps directly into your green waste bin.

Can I order a green bin at any time and get my caddy?

Yes

I live in a unit with a shared green bin. Will I receive a caddy?

Yes. All units will receive a caddy and liners if they have a shared green waste service with Council.

Can I get more than one caddy?

No

Bag liners

Will Council provide caddy bin liners?

Yes. Council will deliver the caddy bag liners at the same time it delivers the caddy.

Where can I get more bin liners from?

Council will provide all residents with 150 caddy bag liners at the same time the caddy is delivered to homes.

Compostable bag liners can be purchased from most supermarkets; it is important when you shop for replacement bin liners that you only use bags with the seedling logo (please see image below), an international certification and symbol that identifies certified compostable degradable plastics.

Can I put my food waste in a plastic bag?

No. Only compostable bags that carry the seedling logo can be used in your caddy. 

Can I wrap my food waste?

You can use compostable bin liners provided with your caddy to hold your food scraps. Or, if you prefer, you can wrap your food waste in a single sheet of newspaper, tissue or paper towel.

Do I have to use the bin liners?

No, use of the bin liners is optional. You can put your food scraps directly into the caddy and then the green bin. Or, if you prefer you can wrap your food waste in a single sheet of newspaper, tissue or paper towel.

Composting

What if I already have a compost at home?

We encourage you to continue with your own composting. Our service complements home composting, as our commercial facility accepts animal bones, meat, citrus peel and dairy, which aren't recommend for most home composting.

Rates

Will my rates go up to pay for this new service?

Your Rates or Waste Charge will not increase to provide this service. In the long term, this will minimise cost increases related to garbage disposal.