Composting is not a new concept to Gillian Black, but adding other peoples’ green waste to her bin is.
Gillian grew up in the UK and came from a family of avid composters.
She joined ShareWaste via an online app a few months ago, which connects those with an interest in composting.
Gillian put her bin out the front of her Ocean Grove home and didn’t think too much of it, but locals and holidaymakers started dropping off their green waste.
Since then she has collected more than 1000kg of green waste, which has managed to avoid landfill.
So what’s so wrong about something that is biodegradable going into landfill? It produces greenhouse gas emissions and odour and leachate production.
“At first it was to simply save waste from going to landfill, and boost my compost supplies,” Gillian said.
“But as it’s progressed I’ve realised that the food I produce with the aid of the compost and worm farms can also be shared.”
The waste goes into Gillian’s compost, which feeds her worm farm and chickens. Gillian also collects coffee grounds from a local cafe.
“I think the main thing that has surprised me is the sheer amount of waste that has been collected,” Gillian said.
“And glad that it’s been saved from landfill and is being put to good use.
“I don’t really refuse anything as long as it can grow.”
In time Gillian will probably have too much green waste and encouraged others in the area to be involved with ShareWaste.
For those interested, go to sharewaste.com.
