| Home Composting System |
Brief Description |
Eligible Rebate
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Pros |
Cons |
Example image |
| Bokashi Bucket |
Unlike traditional composting which requires oxygen, bokashi composting is anaerobic (occurs without oxygen). The bin is sealed to create a low-oxygen environment that promotes fermentation rather than decomposition. |
up to $50 |
- Suitable for dwellings with limited outdoor space such as cottage blocks and apartments.
- Can compost meat, dairy and cooked foods that are typically unsuitable for traditional composting systems.
- Faster decomposition (2 – 4 weeks) due to the anaerobic fermentation process.
- As this bin is sealed, it isn’t subject to pests.
- Does not require turning or mixing.
- Provides a fluid residue which improves soil health.
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- Ongoing cost (approx. $13 per bokashi mix bag)
- Limited capacity for processing food scraps. If you generate a lot of food waste, you may need multiple.
- After the fermentation process, the waste must be buried in soil or added to a traditional compost bin to fully decompose.
- Is not suitable for garden waste (leaves, grass trimmings etc).
- May have a mild, ferment odor
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| Compost Bin |
Microorganisms break down organic waste into solid nutrient-rich compost which can be used to enrich soil. This process requires a delicate balance to manage airing, nutrient and moisture levels. |
up to $40 |
- Can process larger volumes of waste than bokashi and worm farms.
- Cost effective in comparison to a compost tumbler.
- Can also process garden organics.
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- Requires turning and/or mixing.
- Longer decomposition time in comparison to worm farms
- May attract rodents, flies, and other pests if not maintained properly
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| Tiered Worm Farm |
Worms break down organic waste into solid and liquid nutrient-rich compost which can be used to enrich soil. The set up usually includes bins or beds where worms are housed, with layers of bedding material such as shredded paper. |
up to $70 |
- Worms produce vermicompost or ‘worm castings’ which improve soil fertility, structure, and water retention.
- Compact size – making them ideal for dwellings with limited space.
- Doesn’t require turning or mixing.
- Takes 2 -3 months to break down.
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- Worms are sensitive to temperature. Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can harm or kill worms.
- Scraps must be chopped to facilitate quicker decomposition.
- Limited capacity for processing food scraps. If you generate a lot of food waste, you may need multiple.
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| Compost Tumbler |
The same composting process that takes place in the compost bin. However, this system makes turning/mixing the compost easier. |
up to $70 |
- Simplistic mixing process compared to traditional compost bins that require manual turning with a pitchfork or mixing tool.
- Improved aeration due to the position off the ground and rotating mechanism.
- Ability to batch compost (only available with some models). This allows for composting all year round
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- Typically, the most expensive composting option.
- While tumblers simplify the mixing, they still require physical effort to turn (may not be suitable for those with limited mobility/ strength).
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| Pet Waste Composter |
The EnsoPet waste composter is an in-ground solution for composting your pet’s waste. Simply dig a hole, assemble, bury, and add waste with the EnsoPet starter mix. |
up to $50 |
- Due to the use of starter mix, the waste is quickly decomposed.
- Some models no not require aeration/mixing/turning
- Suitable for a range of pets (dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits etc).
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- Must be buried in-ground and therefore requires a garden bed.
- Limited capacity, meaning residents may require multiple systems, especially with multiple pets.
- Compost is not ideal for edible plants and veggie patches.
- Ongoing cost (approx $15 aeration mix)
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