Published on: Friday, May 08, 2026
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Image: A lady scraping food scraps into a compost bin
Composting is one of the simplest ways to reduce household waste and give something back to your garden. Whether you have a big backyard or a small outdoor space, turning your food scraps into something useful is easier than you might think.
Every day, households generate food scraps and garden waste that often end up in landfill. When this material breaks down, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. At home, it is a different story. Composting transforms those same scraps into nutrient-rich material that helps your plants thrive, while reducing what goes in your bin.
There is more than one way to get started. A traditional compost bin works well for larger volumes of garden and food waste, while a worm farm is a great option for smaller spaces. Worm farms are compact, easy to manage and perfect for patios or courtyards. The worms break down food scraps quickly, producing nutrient-rich castings and liquid fertiliser that your garden will love.
Getting started does not need to be complicated. A compost bin or worm farm, a small space and a simple routine are all you need. Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves and garden clippings can all go in. Keeping a balance of green materials and dry materials like leaves or shredded paper will help everything break down smoothly.
If your compost starts to smell, it is usually too wet and needs more dry material. If it looks dry and is not breaking down, a little water and a quick turn can bring it back to life. With worm farms, avoiding meat, dairy and oily foods will keep things running well.
Composting is especially valuable in Western Australia’s sandy soils. Adding compost improves soil structure, helps retain moisture and supports healthy plant growth, making a noticeable difference in your garden.
As a Switch Your Thinking local government, residents can access discounts on compost bins through the Rewards for Residents program. The City of Swan also offers a worm farm subsidy, helping to significantly reduce the cost of getting started.
If you have been thinking about giving it a go, start small and build the habit over time. It is a simple change that reduces waste, supports your garden and helps create a more sustainable community.
For food scraps that are not suitable for home composting, residents already using the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service can help keep even more waste out of landfill.
Subscribe to the Thinking Green newsletter for practical tips, local workshops and ideas to help you live more sustainably at home.
Every day, households generate food scraps and garden waste that often end up in landfill. When this material breaks down, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. At home, it is a different story. Composting transforms those same scraps into nutrient-rich material that helps your plants thrive, while reducing what goes in your bin.
There is more than one way to get started. A traditional compost bin works well for larger volumes of garden and food waste, while a worm farm is a great option for smaller spaces. Worm farms are compact, easy to manage and perfect for patios or courtyards. The worms break down food scraps quickly, producing nutrient-rich castings and liquid fertiliser that your garden will love.
Getting started does not need to be complicated. A compost bin or worm farm, a small space and a simple routine are all you need. Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves and garden clippings can all go in. Keeping a balance of green materials and dry materials like leaves or shredded paper will help everything break down smoothly.
If your compost starts to smell, it is usually too wet and needs more dry material. If it looks dry and is not breaking down, a little water and a quick turn can bring it back to life. With worm farms, avoiding meat, dairy and oily foods will keep things running well.
Composting is especially valuable in Western Australia’s sandy soils. Adding compost improves soil structure, helps retain moisture and supports healthy plant growth, making a noticeable difference in your garden.
As a Switch Your Thinking local government, residents can access discounts on compost bins through the Rewards for Residents program. The City of Swan also offers a worm farm subsidy, helping to significantly reduce the cost of getting started.
If you have been thinking about giving it a go, start small and build the habit over time. It is a simple change that reduces waste, supports your garden and helps create a more sustainable community.
For food scraps that are not suitable for home composting, residents already using the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service can help keep even more waste out of landfill.
Subscribe to the Thinking Green newsletter for practical tips, local workshops and ideas to help you live more sustainably at home.