Home Compost Initiative

This is a supported, long-term behaviour change program, not just help to install compost bins.

You’ll receive:

• 1 × two-hour in-home setup visit with a composting expert.
• 3 × check-in visits (15 minutes each).
• Various items to help you on your composting journey – for example, kitchen caddy and compost blanket.
• Simple, practical composting guidance.

The facilitator will:

• Help you choose the best location.
• With your participation help install and rat-proof your compost bins.
• Show you exactly what to put in (and what not to).
• Troubleshoot smells, pests or slow compost.
• Check in with you over several months to establish the lifestyle habit.

What you commit to:

• Providing two open-base compost bins. Must be ready for the first setup visit.
• Having three 15-minute check-in visits over an 8-month program period.
• Completing a short survey of your experience.
• Actively participating for 8 months.

Here is an example of the type of open-base compost bin that is suitable for the program (available from garden centres, hardware stores or Kimbriki):

This program is for Willoughby City Council residents only.

This program is for residents who:

• Live in a house, townhouse or villa with a private garden.
• Have space for two open-base compost bins.
• Want to compost but need help getting started properly.
• Dispose of fruit and vegetable scraps into the red general waste bin on a weekly basis.
•  Are willing to participate for 8 months. 

Residents accepted into the program are responsible for purchasing or obtaining two round open-base compost bins prior to their first setup visit. When composting, once one bin is full, you should stop adding food waste to it, to allow the contents to break down, while the second bin is used for new material to continue the composting process.

Open-base compost bins are an effective way to recycle food and garden waste, using naturally occurring microbes and worms to produce nutrient-rich compost. A standard bin holds 220 litres, which is suitable for most homes with private gardens, and requires approximately 1 metre by 1 metre of space. For smaller yards, 150-litre bins are also suitable.

Bins can be placed together or separately in a sunny location, as warmth helps speed up the composting process.

The initial visit from a Council officer will take 1.5 to 2 hours to allow time for setting up the compost bins and providing guidance on how to use them. 

Over the following eight months, there will be three check-in visits, each lasting around 15 minutes.

The resident must be present for each visit and actively participate in the session.

A compost bin will not usually attract pests if it is set up and managed correctly. Issues can occur when food scraps are left exposed or unsuitable materials are added.

We will help you set up the compost bins to make them as rat-proof as possible. However, this cannot be guaranteed, and how you look after the bins will determine how successful they are at deterring rats and other pests.

Some insects such as spiders and bugs are a normal part of composting and play an important role in the garden. Over time, most people come to appreciate the role they play.

If you live in a multi-unit dwelling such as an apartment block or have a shared garden unfortunately you can’t participate in this program.

If you rent a stand-alone house or townhouse with a private garden, the homeowner must provide written permission for participation.

The compost bins cannot be put in a public space, verge or communal garden. The compost bins will need to be set up in your own private yard.