The five-year program Waste Less Recycle More already is delivering measurable benefits in paddocks across NSW. Facilitated by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), extensive research indicated 82 per cent of people living in the state expressed concern about pollution and claimed to be diligent in recycling.
Knowledge of the benefits of composting organic materials (household food waste) among participants was strong; 91 per cent agreed that composting can improve the structure, fertility and health of the soil yet, in some locations, collection was not provided by councils. It is still a fairly common practise for lawn clippings to be disposed of in general rubbish.
EPA organics manager Amanda Kane attended the field day at Narrandera and expressed her delight with the outcomes of the compost trials on the almond orchard site.
“Almost $800 million has been allocated to the Waste Less Recycle More program with Carbon Mate from Wagga Wagga being granted almost $1 million to expand their existing composting facility at the Gregadoo site. It is heartening to see their product being part of these extensive trials and demonstrating the links between green waste, recycling and composting then the return of those materials to where we grow food”, she explained.
The aims of the Waste Less, Recycle More programs are: to encourage local communities to think differently about waste avoidance, recycling, littering and illegal dumping; deliver conveniently located, value-for-money waste infrastructure to make it easier for households and business to do the right thing and; drive innovative regulatory approaches to protect the environment and support investment in new waste programs. The Riverina is half-way there.
Pennie Scott
I am an independent scholar with interests and expertise in regenerative agriculture, equity and justice for farmers, functioning healthy landscapes and the culture in agri-culture. My aim is to inform holistically and honestly to ensure readers have access to what they need, now.
I am an independent scholar with interests and expertise in regenerative agriculture, equity and justice for farmers, functioning healthy landscapes and the culture in agri-culture. My aim is to inform holistically and honestly to ensure readers have access to what they need, now.
