By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
AN AUSTRALIAN-first composting trial could win Geelong new manufacturing business, according to Mayor Darryn Lyons.
The trial uses an oveseas-made composting unit to convert household food waste into nutrient-rich soil conditioner in 24 hours.
Geelong could make the units for other municipalities if the trial was successful, Cr Lyons said.
Food waste and compostable material was a big problem because it comprised almost 60 per cent of household garbage ending up in landfill, he said.
“This trial is a call to action to see if Geelong residents are ready to turn their food waste into usable soil conditioner for the garden and to see if the technology is user-friendly and suits our lifestyles.”
Future Proofing Geelong Ambassador, keen environmentalist and Cats star Tom Lonergan was excited about the trial.
“We’re pleased to be able to take part in this trial to keep our food waste out of landfill and turning into methane gas,” he said.
“We’re pretty conscious of not wasting food but we still find enough to feed it everyday. It really makes you think about the amount of food waste that ends up in your rubbish bin every week.”
Council environment portfolio holder Andy Richards said Geelong residents interested in participating could take advantage of a subsidy available for the trial.
“Each unit reduces associated food waste emissions by around 46 per cent, so every person that signs up is making a significant impact on greenhouse gases in Geelong.”
Each unit can process up to 4kg of food waste daily, except large bones, oyster shells, oils and fats. The conditioner is then mixed with soil for use on gardens and in pot plants.
More information on the trial is available at futureproofinggeelong.com.au. Registrations are open until 30 September.
