Most workplaces produce at least some organic waste or food waste. Usually, this waste, often made up of food scraps and leftovers, is simply dumped into the rubbish bin. Unfortunately, that means the organic waste that your workplace produces is going to end up in landfills, where it will rot and produce methane gas.
The best way to deal with organic waste in the workplace is to establish a composting program. It’s incredibly easy to do – it just requires planning and commitment on your part or the part of your people. Once it’s up and running, an effective workplace composting system can greatly reduce the amount of organic waste you produce.
At Melbourne City Rubbish, we work with commercial businesses in the CBD and surrounding suburbs, providing effective rubbish removal services and waste management plans. We often find ourselves dealing with large volumes of organic food waste, so know exactly how you can make the most of a composting system at work.
Click here to speak to us about commercial waste removal in Melbourne.
What is composting?
Composting is the process of breaking down organic waste, such as food scraps, coffee grounds, and paper towels, into nutrient-rich soil. Workplaces can set up office composting systems to collect food scraps and biodegradable materials, diverting them from landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This process works for businesses of all sizes!
How does composting work?
Composting is a natural process that transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil through decomposition. Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi break down food scraps, garden clippings, and other biodegradable materials, converting them into a dark, earthy substance known as compost.
The process requires the right balance of green waste, like fruit and vegetable scraps, which provide nitrogen, and brown waste, such as dry leaves and cardboard, which supply carbon. Proper aeration and moisture levels accelerate decomposition, preventing odours and ensuring an efficient breakdown of materials.
Over time, compost develops beneficial microorganisms that enrich the soil, improve its structure, and promote plant growth. When properly maintained, composting can significantly reduce the volume of organic waste sent to landfill, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable waste management practices.
How to start composting in the workplace
Starting a composting program at work is probably even easier than you think! You only need to purchase a few key items, educate employees, and then spread the word. Once everything’s up and running, regular updates and communication is essential for ensuring your people continue to compost their organic waste.
Set up composting bins
The first step in office composting is to place compost bins in convenient locations, such as the kitchen, break rooms, and common areas. A kitchen compost bin should be clearly labelled and easy for employees to use. Consider using compostable bags for the compost bin to keep things tidy and make disposal easier.
Inform and educate employees
Successful composting at work depends on employee participation. Provide clear instructions on what can and cannot go into the compost bin, and offer training sessions or simple signage to educate staff. Encouraging buy-in from employees will help ensure the program runs smoothly.
Create an action plan
An effective office composting system needs a plan. Decide who will be responsible for maintaining the bins, emptying them, and ensuring proper composting practices are followed. Some workplaces choose to manage composting on-site, while others partner with commercial composting services that collect and process organic waste.
What can you put in the compost bin?
10 common items you can put in the compost bin at work.
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and tea leaves (including paper tea bags)
- Eggshells
- Grass clippings and garden trimmings
- Leaves and small twigs
- Shredded newspaper and cardboard (uncoated)
- Food-soiled paper (like napkins and paper towels)
- Bread, pasta, and rice (in moderation)
- Nutshells (except walnuts)
- Houseplant trimmings and dead flowers
What can’t you put in the compost bin?
10 common items you can’t put in your workplace compost bin.
- Meat, fish, and bones
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt)
- Oily or greasy food scraps
- Citrus peels and onion skins (can slow down composting)
- Plastic, glass, or metal
- Treated or painted wood
- Pet waste (dog or cat faeces, litter)
- Diseased plants or weeds with seeds
- Non-compostable bags and packaging
- Synthetic fabrics or sponges.
What should you do with compost when it’s ready?
When your workplace compost is fully broken down into rich, dark, soil-like material, there are several great ways to put it to good use. If your office has an outdoor space, consider using the compost to nourish office plants, rooftop gardens, or even a small vegetable patch where employees can grow herbs and fresh produce. This not only enhances the office environment but also promotes sustainability and a sense of teamwork among your employees.
If there’s no way for you to use your compost at work, your business can arrange to donate the compost to local community gardens, schools, or urban farms. This is a great way to help support green initiatives in your area. You can also offer employees the option to take home compost for their personal gardens, which can be a great incentive for staff to stay engaged in the program.
What are the benefits of composting?
Composting at work comes with a whole host of fantastic benefits for your business, your employees, and most notably, the environment. We’ll take a look at some of these benefits below, and how you can make the most of them.
Eliminates organic waste
One of the biggest advantages of composting is that it keeps food scraps and other biodegradable materials out of landfill. Instead of contributing to waste problems, composting turns organic matter into a valuable resource.
It’s great for the environment
By composting at work, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint. Organic waste in landfills produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. Composting prevents this by allowing waste to decompose naturally in an oxygen-rich environment.
Boosts green outcomes at work
Composting is an easy way to improve sustainability efforts. Many businesses are looking for ways to meet corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, and composting is a practical step towards greener workplace practices.
Gets employees engaged
A workplace composting program encourages employees to be more mindful of waste and sustainability. It fosters a sense of responsibility and teamwork, making the office a more eco-conscious environment.
Reduces costs of waste disposal
Businesses that implement composting often see a reduction in waste management costs. With less waste going to landfill, companies can lower their rubbish removal expenses and potentially qualify for sustainability incentives.
Speak to a rubbish removal expert today
If you’re looking to introduce composting at work but aren’t sure where to start, our guide is the perfect resource. But if you’re looking for the best way to deal with large quantities of food waste, such as after an event, Melbourne City Rubbish is here to help. We work with businesses of all sizes to provide high-quality waste management solutions.
Speak to our waste management experts today.
FAQs about workplace composting
What is office composting?
Office composting is the process of collecting and breaking down organic waste, such as food scraps and coffee grounds, in a compost bin at work. It helps reduce landfill waste and supports sustainability.
Which workplaces can do composting?
Any workplace with organic waste can start composting, from offices and cafés to warehouses and corporate buildings. It works best in spaces where employees are engaged and there’s a clear system in place.
Are there any disadvantages to composting at work?
If not managed properly, compost bins can attract pests or produce odours. However, with the right setup, regular maintenance, and proper waste separation, these issues can be easily avoided.
Can I compost in my office?
Yes, small indoor composting systems, such as bokashi bins or worm farms, allow composting even in offices without outdoor space. A well-maintained kitchen compost bin is also a great option.
Do you provide composting services?
We specialise in commercial waste removal, but we can help businesses implement sustainable waste management strategies, including composting solutions and responsible organic waste disposal.
