Household organic waste is largely made up of kitchen food scraps. This material can be composted successfully using worms. When organic waste goes into a landfill it creates methane gas and acidic leachates. Both of these are harmful to the environment.
What has the response been like and why?
We have a hugely positive response from the community and have had more than 600 households attend. In 2011 we increased the size of the workshops from 40 to 80 households. We offer a subsidy on the worm farm unit so that the barrier to getting started is significantly reduced. One of the key elements of the workshop is the support for beginners after the workshop from our composting volunteers. We have a team of volunteers that will "check up" on people to see how they are going. They will also provide a visit and make sure the bin is working ok if that is what is needed.
How much does it cost to do a workshop?
It costs $30 per household to attend. It is subsidised by the Waste Minimisation levy that we receive from central government.
What type of people have been attending the workshops?
All ages. From 6 year olds to those in their eighties from all walks of life. There are lots of people out there who love their worms. We also have a Worms4Schools programme and have installed worm bins in over 40 pre-schools and primary schools in Tauranga. Earlier in the year we held a workshop at Greenwood Park and more recently for a gardening group. We find that it attracts people who are gardening already.
Can you tell us about the importance of worms in the soil and their lifecycle?
Worms take the nutrients in composting material and make it into a rich fertiliser for the garden. Composting worms are called Tiger Worms (because of their stripes) and will only live in composting material. They are different to the earth worms that you find in the garden. Worm composting is a "cold" process as opposed to "hot" composting that happens in your compost heap at home. They like environments that are out of the sun, moist (but not wet) with a variety of food.
What is the hardest challenge maintaining a worm farm long term?
Worm farming is easy. The main thing is to make sure you add enough carbon materials like paper and cardboard every time you put kitchen food scraps in. Also adding lime with every feed helps to maintain the acid/alkaline balance.
What are the benefits?
Less organic waste to landfill.
Make a natural fertiliser for your garden.
It's good for the environment.