Why – New Zealand sends millions of tonnes of food waste to landfill every year. As this food waste decomposes, it produces methane that is released into our atmosphere and contributes to global warming. Composting reduces the amount of methane as this gas is produced from decaying material when there's a lack of oxygen. It may seem like a small contribution to make when considering the large scale of other industrial emissions but it’s estimated we would stop more than 298,246 tonnes of food waste going to landfill each year if each household in New Zealand reduced their food waste by composting. 

A composting waste option at your club eliminates the need for Insinkerators, reduces methane emissions from landfill and contributes to creating compost soil that can then be reused.

 
How – Consider what system will work best for your club. Will your own composting be supported by your members or community or would a commercial collection suit your club best?

You may want to get hands-on and create your own compost or perhaps find a local garden club or farmer to partner with who will take your food waste.  

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Source biodegradable dinnerware that can be composted as well as paper towels, cups and napkins. Be aware that some items, especially food packaging labelled as 'biodegradable' or 'compostable' will require the heat treatment of commercial composting rather than backyard composting in order to break down.)

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Use good signage on bins to educate and encourage compostable products to be placed in the correct bins rather than being sent to landfill. 

There are many options and plenty of information online to make this an easy best practice to achieve.  

See our resource section for more information