Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s waste team has screened the very first batch of Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO)-generated soil which has been put to good use in and around the region – even at this weekend’s Laidley Spring Festival!
The waste team screened the first 10mm aperture batch of FOGO soil, generated simply from residents separating their waste.
Lockyer Valley Deputy Mayor and Waste Portfolio Councillor, Jason Cook said it was extremely rewarding to see 12-months of hard work come to fruition.
“FOGO bins have been collected across the trial period and composted on a static aerated floor composting system at the Gatton Landfill.
“After around 12 weeks of processing, FOGO is loaded into a trommel screen with a 10mm aperture to screen out any contamination, such as plastics or non-organic material.
“We thank participants for their dedication to this Trial and as a Council, we are proud of what a small portion of our community has allowed us to achieve.
“By diverting waste from landfill, this soil will be put to good use and benefit the local community,” Cr Cook said.
Council is also using the initiative to spread the important message to our youngest residents.
“Our Waste Warriors at the Gatton State School and Lockyer Valley Early Learning Centre have also jumped on board by learning to effectively separate their waste.
“The Gatton State School will use this material in their school gardens to show parents in the community how easy it is to create a sustainable product.
“The Waste Warrior Program is all about starting discussions around diverting waste from landfill as early as possible.
“We want to play an active role in educating our local students about food waste and the circular economy, and this initiative is doing just that,” Cr Cook said.
To further celebrate the success, Council will soon host several planting days across the region to spread the community-generated soil.
Council’s FOGO trial is funded by the Queensland Government.
For further information, contact Council’s Waste Team on 0417 416 223 or email fogo@lvrc.qld.gov.au.
