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Learn how to compost and worm farm at home to recycle kitchen scraps, reduce waste going to landfill, and create nutrient-rich material for your garden.

Composting

Composting turns food scraps and garden waste into a soil-like material that can be used as fertiliser and soil conditioner.

The most basic method is a simple layered pile of organic materials that is kept moist and aerated so micro-organisms can break it down. Compost heaps need regular turning and re-wetting to maintain oxygen and moisture levels.

Commercial compost bins and tumblers are also widely available.

Successful composting requires the right balance of:

  • Carbon (‘brown’ materials such as straw, dry leaves and sawdust)
  • Nitrogen (‘green’ materials such as lawn clippings, veggie scraps and leafy prunings)
  • Oxygen
  • Moisture.

Worm farming

Worm farming uses specific types of composting worms (such as Tiger or Red Wriggler) to process kitchen scraps. Worms convert organic material into nutrient-rich castings and liquid fertiliser, both excellent for garden use.

Worm farms can be purchased from hardware stores or made from reused items, such as polystyrene vegetable boxes from local greengrocers. Compost tumblers and worm farms are also commonly found second-hand or can be made at home.

More information and contact

Visit the WA Government's WasteSorted website for information on home composting and worm farming.