Food recycling trial for high-rises

All food, including:

• fruit and vegetable scraps
• coffee grounds
• eggs, eggshells and dairy
• meat and seafood (including bones and shells)
• bread, pasta, rice and cereal
• plate scrapings, leftovers and spoiled food.

The caddy liners used in the trial comply with the Australian Standard for composting – home compostable AS5810 and commercial compostable (AS4736). This means they will break down into organic matter.

Items that cannot be placed in the recycling caddy include:

• teabags
• fats and cooking oils
• packaging (bottles, wrap, film and string)
• paper cups and plates
• polystyrene and meat trays
• lids and wine tops
• plastic bags and drink bottles
• paper towels and serviettes
• general waste
• vacuum dust and dryer lint
• products labelled biodegradable or compostable.

Unsure about what goes into your caddy? Check Recycle Right | City of Gold Coast

Residents will collect their food waste in the kitchen caddy provided. When the caddy is ready to empty, you simply tie the liner and drop the bag off at the dedicated food organics bin, which will be provided to you. At the end of the trial, we’ll collect the bins and caddies.

If you participate in the trial, you will be expected to:

• use only use the caddy liners provided
• wash your caddy once a week with warm, soapy water
• ensure the caddy lid is shut tight to prevent insects getting in.

For pleasant and successful food recycling you can also:

• sprinkle vinegar, bi-carb soda or eucalyptus oil in the caddy to absorb and minimise odours
• empty the caddy every 2 to 3 days (or more often) in hot and humid weather
• let your hot food cool down first
• keep smelly foods in the freezer until you are ready to empty your caddy.

As the building manager or body corporate representative of a participating building, your local knowledge of the facilities and your connection with residents will be vital to the success of the trial.

Your responsibilities will include:

• acting as the main point of contact with the City of Gold Coast project officer
• distributing communications to residents on behalf of the City
• providing building access for the City officer to deliver residents resources
• serving as an advocate for the trial within your building community.

Learnings from this trial will contribute to the future service planning for buildings across the city and Queensland, identify potential future waste savings and help reduce how much we pay for the disposal of our waste to landfill.