Food scraps and garden waste

Did you know that 40% of landfill waste is food? This equates to one in every five bags of your groceries going straight into the bin, costing you $2,000 to $2,500 every year. 

Food scraps and garden waste, known as Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO), can often be managed at home. More information on resources provided by Council and handy tips to save on food waste are below. 

Compost Bin and Worm Farm Rebate Program

Council offers Scenic Rim residents a $50 rebate towards the purchase of selected compost bins and worm farms from participating Mitre 10 retailers in Beaudesert, Boonah, Tamborine Mountain and Kalbar.

From July 1 2025, eligible Scenic Rim residents can claim a rebate of up to $50 towards the purchase of eligible compost bin and worm farm equipment. Applications received prior to July 1, 2025, can claim a rebate of up to $30 towards the purchase of eligible compost bin and worm farm equipment.

You can apply for the rebate on the form below or call Council on 5540 5111.

Before applying, please read the terms and conditions for the Scenic Rim Regional Council's Compost Bin and Worm Farm Rebate Program below:

  • Eligibility:

    To be eligible for the Compost Bin and Worm Farm Rebate Program, a person must

    • Be a resident of the Scenic Rim Regional Council local government area, as identified by the residential address provided when completing the application form.
    • Be an occupant at the residential address identified in the application form.
    • Be eighteen years of age or older or have consent of a parent or guardian.
    • Have not claimed a rebate through this rebate program previously.

    Issue and redemption of the voucher:

    • Applications that have meet the above eligibility requirements, will receive a $50 dollar voucher to purchase via email or post within 10 days of application.
    • The rebate voucher is limited to the purchase of one compost bin, compost aerator, worm farm or bokashi composting system only. It cannot be used to purchase consumable products such as compost or worm farm conditioner or accelerator, carbon material, bokashi grains.
    • The voucher can only be redeemed at participating Mitre 10 stores including Beaudesert, Tamborine Mountain, Boonah, and Kalbar.

    No liability of Council

    • Council makes no representations or warranties as to the suitability, quality, or merchantability of any redeemed product in connection within the Compost Bin and Worm Farm Rebate Program. To the extent permitted by law, Council is not liable for any loss or damage whatsoever which is suffered (including but not limited to direct or consequential loss) in connection with the Rebate Program. This condition is not intended to exclude any liability which cannot be excluded under Australian consumer protection law.

    Privacy consent and changes to the rebate program

    • By participating in the rebate program, the entrant acknowledges and agrees to their personal information by way of full name, address, email, and phone number being collected and stored by Council for the purpose of the rebate program.
    • Council reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time.

Tips for the garden

  • Grow your own food

    It’s cheap & fun & reduces waste. Start with easy plants like strawberries or cucumbers.

  • Compost and worm farms

    Turn kitchen scraps into excellent fertiliser for your garden while reducing waste.

  • Chickens

    Chickens can use up fruit & veggie scraps & provide you with delicious eggs

Tips for the kitchen

  • Plan your shop and be realistic

    Check the fridge and cupboard, write a list before you go.

  • Use an "Eat First" box

    Put a colourful box at the front of the fridge for older food as you unpack new groceries.

  • Stew or bake

    Make delicious dishes with older fruit and vegetables to save wasting them.

  • Freeze

    Freezing excess food extends shelf life. Brown bananas are great in smoothies, cakes and frozen desserts.

  • Share

    If you have excess from your garden, preserve, freeze, dry or share it with friends.

  • Keep the scraps

    Convert food scraps like peelings into valuable soil conditioners by composting or worm farming them.

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