Media Release

30 August 2011

More free composting courses to help Aucklanders put their waste to work

Auckland Council is increasing the availability of free composting courses so more Aucklanders can learn how easy it is to put their food and garden waste to good work, rather than sending it to landfills.

In 2011/12 council will fund 100 Create Your Own Eden courses around the region with the aim of increasing the amount of organic waste diverted from landfill and composted by households instead.

Auckland Council Waste Minimisation Advisor Sue Martin says about 50% of what Auckland households put out for rubbish collection could be recycled via composting bins, bokashi fermentation and/or worm farms.

"The biggest barrier is lack of knowledge on how to compost effectively - which the practical, three-hour Create Your Own Eden courses facilitated by the Kaipatiki Project helps people overcome," she says.

"By providing these courses free of charge, including information on low-cost solutions and offering participants a discount on composting systems purchased through the Kaipatiki Project we are also addressing the hurdle of cost," she says.

Auckland Council's Environment and Sustainability Forum Chairperson Wayne Walker says waste minimisation is a key focus for council, given the economic and environmental costs of rubbish disposal.
"Composting is something we can all do to make a positive difference. It's nature's way of recycling and in addition to helping reduce how much waste goes to landfill it also provides fantastic free fertiliser," says Councillor Walker.

"The Create Your Own Eden courses show people how easy and rewarding it is to compost and increasing their availability for the benefit of Aucklanders and our environment has my full support," says Mr Walker, who has both professional and personal composting experience.

The first Create Your Own Eden courses for 2011/12 were held at the weekend in Herne Bay and Birkdale, with many more already scheduled around the region for the next few months. Bookings are essential. Phone the Kaipatiki Project on 482 1172 or email admin@kaipatiki.org.nz.

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