HCC
Scraps collections and composting
Curbside collection and composting
The HCC utilises hot composting to quickly process large volumes of kitchen scraps. Kitchen scraps are relatively high in nitrogen. When we bulk these together in a nice thick layer in the compost heap they start to break down and produce heat as they go. It is a somewhat complex process when you start looking at the bacteria, fungi and invertebrates doing all of the work as well as thinking about the chemical and biophysical processes occurring. However the main point is that by combining our kitchen scraps and with careful maintenance we can produce wonderful compost as an end result and minimise the generation of harmful greenhouse gases along the way.
The HCC would love to see all of our locally generated kitchen waste treated in this way. And to keep the organic matter in our community and put it to good work! So even if you only produce a small bucketful of scraps each week, when combined with similar bucketfuls from your neighbours kitchen then we can work wonders. In terms of minimising those greenhouse gases it's best to get the kitchen scraps while they're relatively fresh, before they start fermenting. So the HCC runs a curbside collection service to gather up all of the scraps so that they can continually feed the hungry compost heap. All you need to do is fill the bucket and put it out on collection day, we'll take care of the pitchforking, shifting and sifting. All members are welcome to a share of the resulting compost too.
If you are already a backyard composter you can still get involved! Come along to one of our open days where we talk about all things compost (or just to meet some neighbours and enjoy a cuppa). If your compost heap needs a boost then the HCC can provide activator in the form of hot, highly active compost-in-progress. We can also carry out a 'compost consult' in exchange for a donation to the HCC.
As a member of the HCC you will
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Retain our resources
Kitchen scraps are routinely sent to landfill but this results in large amounts of methane generation, contributing to climate change. Rather than being detrimental to our environment these same scraps are a great source of organic matter and nutrients that we can use to build healthy soil. At HCC we recognise the value in these scraps and make sure that we get the best out of them. By joining HCC and adopting other waste wise habits such as recycling any soft plastics you may notice that your bin is very empty! What once was considered rubbish can go on and do loads of good.
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Support sustainability
By supporting the HCC we are all making a commitment to sustainability, keeping in mind the best possible use of our available resources, and facilitating a circular economy. By combining our kitchen scraps and building highly productive compost heaps we can share with others the amazing transformation that occurs just by setting up the right conditions and letting biological processes do what they do best. We believe managing these processes is a worthwhile 'job for the future' that we're willing to do right now.
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Strengthen your community
HCC has a focus on the process: How do we take kitchen scraps and process them so as to minimise the production of greenhouse gases? But the end product is also valuable. The resulting compost can be used to store carbon and restore nutrients into depleted soils. The improved soils in return can grow a huge variety of plants. Whether these are food plants or habitat plants or any other bit of greenery these will undoubtedly increase the mental health quotient of our communities in many ways. HCC is very happy to donate the compost back and to help grow community along the way.
How does it work?
Sign up and receive a bucket
Small buckets, collected often = healthy compost
Signing up is super easy.
Keeping sustainability in mind, we like to use post-consumer buckets to collect the scraps. This means that we gather and use buckets that have already served one purpose and are on their way to being recycled. We can reuse them many more times before they actually need to be recycled. We rely on our members and wider community to supply these buckets so if you purchase a few litres of yoghurt occassionally then we'd be very grateful if you could drop off the bucket to HCC headquarters after you've emptied it.
We use 2-5L buckets which should be perfect for most households considering the quantities of scraps they generate. Also, with larger buckets the vegetable matter starts to break down in the bottom and leave a pool of slimy liquid. This liquid, if not open to the air, may start to ferment. Therefore it's better to use smaller buckets and to collect them more often.
If you'd like to use your own kitchen caddy (something more stylish than a yoghurt bucket?) that is fine too! In fact we can empty your own bucket or caddy and this will save us from having to wash a clean bucket for you each time. If you air out your bucket often and keep it relatively dry then there is no need to wash it often.
We'll collect your full bucket and provide you with an empty one
Carbon neutral collections!
As we've said earlier we want those scraps while they're still fresh(ish)! In Hackett we are able to swap out your buckets twice weekly. In other suburbs we can collect your full bucket once a week. On the set up pick up day or the night before put the bucket out in a prominent yet protected spot. We'll swing by (on a carbon neutral transport mode) and quickly swap the bucket out for a clean one. If you're using your own kitchen caddy we'll tip that out and carry on. If you're bucket isn't full you should put it out anyway! Every little bit helps and we'd rather have it fresh than wait another week. If you're going away it would be great to let us know so that we can alter out bucket run route accordingly.
Everyone forgets to put the bucket out occasionally! So don't feel bad if you do. There is always the option of dropping off your scraps at HCC headquarters if need be (contact us for address).
We provide high quality soil amendment back to the community
Our compost will enrich our local soil and green our community
What about all the compost!?
The HCC focuses on diverting kitchen scraps from landfill. As long as those scraps are not making it into the regular bin then we're happy! A pleasant consequence of that is that we end up making compost :) Compost is wonderful stuff and a critical component of healthy soil. Soil is pretty much broken down organic materials and rock minerals. Our soils tend to be depleted in organic matter, the easiest way to add it back in is with compost. Adding compost to the soil is also a great way to store more carbon in the soil, rather than in our atmosphere. And it makes for much healthier plants! (which can also remove carbon dioxide from the air).
Even if you're not keen on gardening, we're keen to turn your kitchen scraps into compost. There are loads of people willing to use that compost to grow lovely plants in our local community. None of that organic material needs to go to waste!
Occasionally we will sift out the really good stuff from the compost (the compost 'fines'), which we refer to as black gold. Members are welcome to a share of black gold. Sprinkle it around any plant (including indoor plants) and give them a boost!
If you're putting in a new garden bed and want a larger quantity of compost get in touch and we'll put you on the (short) waiting list :)
With efficient compost production at the HCC we actually rely on the compost being used so that we have room for fresh scraps so if you take some compost to use you are doing us all a favour. Have a great time growing with it!
