Compost and Worm Farms

Composting and worm farming are natural recycling systems whereby organic waste, such as food scraps and garden prunings, is broken down into smaller nutrients. The organic resources released in the waste can also improve soil health and avoid the use of chemical fertilisers in your garden.

Both composting and worm farming are easy and important ways to give nutrients back to your soil and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Choose a system that works for you 

It's important to choose a system that works for your household.

Compost bins are often a better option if you live in a house with a garden as they can take most food scraps, garden prunings and leaf-litter.

Worm farms are limited to some fruit and vegetables, although they are very compact and don't smell – making them ideal if you live in an apartment with a balcony or small courtyard.

If you're not sure which system is for you, check the table below:

You want to:	Compost	Worm Farm
Compost garden clippings
Keep your bin inside, in a balcony or small courtyard
Compost large amounts of food waste (more than two people per household)
Keep your bin outdoors on bare soil
Maintain your bin in full sun; ensure it is able to tolerate heat
Compost a variety of foods including citric fruits, onion and garlic
Produce liquid fertiliser

Hardware stores, garden centres, local nurseries as well as online stores sell compost bin, worm farm and boakshi and their accessories.

Council works in partnership with Compost Revolution program to offer residents online tutorials and subsidies on compost bin, compost aerator, worm farm and worms ordered via this online program.

You can also make your own composting bin or worm farm easily and cheaply by getting creative with everyday material such as foam boxes (for worm farms) and mesh wires (for compost bins). For ideas on some DIY bin designs visit:

• Backyard Boss
• Compost Guide

For a list of local suppliers check out the Western Sydney Composting Product Directory

Getting started

To help more residents to take up composting and worm farming at home, Council runs regular workshops on composting and worm farming. To find out more about the upcoming workshops, visit the Bookable and search for Compost.

Council partners with Compost Revolution to offer online tutorials as well as subsidies (up to 50% off) for a range of composting products sold via this program. If you would like to purchase a composting product that is not offered by the Compost Revolution program, you can apply for a separate rebate of up to $50 by completing the online form at the bottom of this page or completing the paper application form. Each household is entitled to claim the rebate once only and the offer is only available to the residents living in the City of Parramatta Local Government Area.

Compost together with neighbours and community

If you have space or other limitations that prevent you from having a compost bin or worm farm yourself, you can still compost your food waste in other ways.

Work out an arrangement with your neighbours who has compost bin or worm farm and donate your food waste to their bin. Alternatively you can find a friendly composter on ShareWaste who will accept your food waste.

If you have shared green space in your apartment block, you can talk to your agent, landlord or strata about starting up a communal compost bin or worm farm. There are many apartment dwellers who have done this as a way to reduce their food waste. Council can also provide free training for your block to help with the process.

Please email enviroed@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au to find out more.