Recycling food scraps

A lot of the food/organic waste we generate can't be avoided. Fruit peels, spoiled food and vegetable scraps can be recycled into organic nutrients, rather than sent to landfill. Organic recycling can help you live more sustainably, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make nutritious compost for a vegetable patch or garden. 

For more detailed information, check out our compost and organic waste recycling information.

Compost bins and tumblers

Compost bins and tumblers are the most common organic recycling method in Brisbane homes. They can handle high input of food scraps each day and are simple to use. 

Find out more about composting, including ingredients, methods, how to make compost and how to solve problems. Brisbane City Council also hosts free compost and worm farm workshops and events.

Worm farms

Worm farms are suitable for small spaces such as balconies, garages or cabinets. Although there are more restrictions on the types of food you can put in a worm farm than other organic recycling methods (e.g. no onions, citrus, chilli), the end-product of worm farms is better than other methods.

Find out more about worm farms, including making a worm farm, feeding worms, harvesting compost and castings and solving problems. Find out about our free compost and worm farm workshops and events.

Fermentation system (Bokashi bucket) 

Bokashi buckets are small and can sit on a benchtop. This makes are great choice for people who live in an apartment. All food scraps including items such as meat and bread can be processed using this system.

Find out more about Bokashi buckets including ingredients and how to use this system of fermentation.


Some food waste can be fed to pets such as chickens and dogs. Each month, a chicken can consume its own body weight in feed and kitchen scraps. Check with your local vet before making any changes to your pet/s diet. Find out more about biorecycling.

Find events on keeping backyard chickens.

Community composting hubs

You don't need a garden or lots of space to compost your scraps. Find a neighbour who composts, or get along to one of Brisbane City Council's Community Composting Hubs at a community garden near you. 

Use your leftovers

Edible leftovers don't need to end up in the bin or compost bucket. Check out our love your food leftovers hints.

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Last updated:10 May 2019