International Compost Awareness Week
International Compost Awareness Week is an initiative that recognises the importance of diverting organic waste from landfill, improving soil quality and composing.
Did you know that your green-lidded organics bin is your household's access to easeful composting?
When food and garden organics (FOGO) goes into your organics bin, Solo Resource Recovery collects it kerbside and Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) processes it into quality compost.
Together as a community, we've successfully increased our organic waste diversion by 45% since the introduction of FOGO (July 2025) 👏💚
How do I compost?
Using your green-lidded bin is an easeful and systematic way to divert your food and garden organic waste from landfill and ensure it is composted. To learn more about this service, click here
You can also choose to practice home composting and worm farming. Check out the short videos below by Costa at Gardening Australia (International Compost Awareness Week Ambassador)
Why is it important to compost?
When food and garden organics find their way to landfill, they don’t have the oxygen they need to decompose (breakdown into soil) safely. Instead, they rot and create methane gas — a potent greenhouse gas that is harmful to the earth.
Diverting organic waste from landfill also protects the environment by limiting toxic leachate production, saves limited landfill capacity, and allows organic material to be transformed into valuable nutrient-rich compost that enhances soil health and water retention.
Can I compost pet poo?
Although pet poo is not accepted in Council's organic service (green-lidded bin), it can still be composted and turned into a valuable resource for your garden.
Check out this helpful video on composting pet poo by Gardening Australia.
Can I compost wood fire ash?
Woodfire and fire pit ashes are not accepted in the green-lidded organics bin.
Even ashes that look cold can stay hot for days and can easily ignite bin contents, trucks or surrounding properties - putting drivers and residents at significant risk of harm.
You can put cold wood ash into your compost. It is alkaline, rich in potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, which can help balance acidic compost piles and act as a nutrient-rich amendment. Though avoid using too much though! Head to Gardening Australia for more helpful information.
To dispose of ash correctly:
✅ Let ashes cool completely for at least 5–7 days
✅ Store cooled ashes in a metal container with a lid
✅ Once fully cold and stored, place into your red-lidded general waste bin
How do I teach my children about compost?
To celebrate International Compost Awareness Week 2026, we've prepared an Organic Waste workbook, designed to inspire and educate even our youngest community members. There's a colouring page, a finder word, a science experiment and more!
Click here to download a copy or pop into Singleton Library to pick up a printed copy.
Where can I learn more about composting locally?
You can meet resident green thumbs and compost experts at Singleton Community Garden, located on Bathurst Street, Singleton.