Worm waste? An innovative approach to greenwaste processing

Grant: $95,420

Project aim

To trial a worm farm project with a focus on diverting grass clippings, animal manures, and biosolids and other organic materials. The proposal includes an education program and the investigation of markets for the end products.

Project methodology

1. Sixteen worm beds were established and monitored daily.
2. A number of feed stocks and blending ratios were trialed including grass clippings, food wastes and biosolids with a view to optimising breeding rates and metabolic function of the worms.
3. Production of a commercial vermicast product from a local government waste stream.

Project outcomes

The diversion from landfill of local government waste streams successfully achieved during the project included 2,000 m³ of grass clippings, 30 m³ of food wastes and 20 m³ of biosolids. Different feedstock blends were trialed resulting in 180 m³ of high quality pasteurised vermicast valued at $72,000 being produced. As part of the education program, a major two-day educational seminar was convened. The Mayor of Lake Macquarie and Jeff Hunter MP welcomed 200 attendees from NZ (14), 25 NSW councils, waste boards and other professionals to the seminar. Information on the latest trends in waste management was presented by 20 speakers from industry and government. The market opportunities for vermicast are yet to be realised, and accordingly, Lake Macquarie City Council is currently pursuing potential markets and is of the view that the production of vermicast is the best value-adding process for green waste.

Key factors contributing to project success

Production of a quality end product is essential to maintain the worm farm as a commercially viable venture. This involves having a good knowledge of the feed stock used and good process control via ongoing monitoring. Also, the need to pursue markets for the vermicast was highlighted as a key priority for the ongoing success of the project.

Information material developed

Worms 'n' Waste Solutions Education Seminar

Worms 'n' Waste Solutions School Field Day questionnaire/information handout

Related projects

• 97_016 - Green Waste Reprocessing in Schools
• 97_071 - Home Worm Factory Trial
• 97_100 - Worm Waste? An Innovative Approach to Greenwaste Processing
• 97_128 - Education in Domestic Waste Reduction – a demonstration worm farm and composting facility
• 97_195 - Worm Farm Development
• 97_205 - An On-site Organic Waste Processing Unit for Commercial Food Producers
• 98_031 - Waste Food Collection from Restaurants Cafes and Supermarkets for Processing in a Worm Farm
• 98_038 - Grass Roots Food and Green Waste Avoidance Program
• 98_143 - Trial of an Industrial Capacity Worm Bin
• 98_203 - BioGreen Castings – Assessing the Merits of Vermiculture in Biosolid Management

Contacts

Ray Reddel
Phone: (02) 4921 0640
Fax: (02) 4921 0602
engdepot@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
 

Community Waste Reduction Grants Co-ordinator
Environment Protection Authority
Phone: (02) 9995 5639
http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/waste/