Food Waste

Food waste makes up approximately 43% of the material collected in our red lid general waste bins. This waste is sent to landfill where it becomes a significant source of methane - a harmful greenhouse gas. Collecting food waste separately means it can be processed into beneficial resources rather than creating harmful greenhouse gases.

The food waste will be taken to the EarthPower facility in Camellia where it will be converted into a nutrient-rich soil improver and renewable energy. 

The soil improver is sold to agricultural markets to help grow more food, and the renewable energy is used to power the site and up to 4,000 homes. 

• Fruit and vegetables 
• Bread, rice, and cereals  
• Coffee grinds and tea leaves 
• Meat, bones, and fish  
• Dairy products, eggs and eggshells 
• Cakes, biscuits and sweets

Anything that is not food. That includes;    

• Packaging 
• Garden waste such as leaves, branches, flowers. 

Garden waste from the green lid bins in Lane Cove goes to a facility where it is composted into high grade compost product. This composting facility does not accept food waste. 

Keeping food waste out of this bin ensures that we maintain the high quality of this waste stream and end product. Collecting the food waste separate to the garden waste also means we can make use of low emission processing technologies.

Collecting food waste separate to the garden waste means we can make use of low emission processing technologies and maintain the quality of our garden waste stream. It is also more cost effective. 

Food waste bins will be collected weekly, on your normal bin day.

We love composting and encourage our local composters to keep their home compost systems running. You can still use your food waste bin for items such as dairy, bones, meat and fish scraps that are generally best kept out of home compost systems.  Every little bit diverted from landfill makes a difference. 

Also, under the legislation set by the NSW Government, the service must be provided to all households. There is no option to opt-out of the service. 

No. All other waste services will remain exactly the same.

Yes - Council understands that some people may not generate a lot of food waste, or even prefer to put their food waste straight into the food waste bin. If you would like to opt-out of receiving the 6 monthly delivery of caddy liners, simply complete this form

Council is taking a staged approach to rolling out the Food Waste Service to townhouses and units, as the types of complexes across Lane Cove vary significantly in both size and age.  Starting with complexes who are keen to join the service means we can work closely with individual buildings to understand what works best for different building types, ready for when all households must have the service by 2030.

If you live in a townhouse or unit and would like to join the service, please complete this form.