Queensland targets 65% cut in landfill waste as home composting fills the gap
Queensland aims to cut residual waste by 65 per cent over the next decade, highlighting home composting when most councils lack green bins.
Half of Queensland's landfill waste is organic matter that decays into methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The state released a new waste strategy in June targeting a 65 per cent cut in residual waste over a decade.
Just 11 of 77 councils offer kerbside green bin collection, mostly in the south-east. Home composting is stepping into that gap.
Benjamin Head, a Gold Coast resident, has composted food scraps, garden waste, cardboard and paper for over 20 years, shrinking his household waste dramatically. He feeds kitchen leftovers to a backyard compost bin and chickens, mixes in grass clippings and shreds of cardboard, and returns the nutrient-rich soil to his garden.
The Gold Coast alone produces 300,000 tonnes of residual waste annually for 680,000 residents. If households take small steps, experts say the savings add up.
- 65 percent by 2035
- Waste reduction target
- 11 of 77
- Councils with green bins
- 300,000 tonnes
- Gold Coast annual waste
- over 20 years
- Head's composting years
Why it mattersLandfill organic waste produces greenhouse gas and wastes nutrients; diverting it cuts emissions and saves money on groceries.
AustraliaMost Australian households lack council organic waste pickup, making home composting a practical way to cut personal landfill and support Queensland's waste reduction target.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 d ago
