In 2024, Te Kauwhata Primary School installed a vermin-proof CarbonCycle hot composting system with funding from Waikato District Council.
In its first year, the system diverted 2.5 tonnes of waste from landfill, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and produced compost for school and community spaces.
The school is now partnering with Te Kauwhata Community House and Community Garden on a six-month trial allowing the public to drop off food scraps. New bins funded through the council’s Waste Minimisation Fund will be installed on lower Wira Street and a Community Compost Co-ordinator has been appointed.
From Monday, August 10, food scraps can be placed in the bins at any time except 8am to 9am and 2pm to 4pm on weekdays. The bins are outside the school grounds near the lower gate, so users can simply lift the lid from the footpath.
The hot composting system can process all organic waste, including meat. Community contributions will help it maintain the temperatures needed to produce nutrient-rich compost for local schools, gardens and projects.
The trial relies on community support to prove its value. Households are encouraged to collect their food scraps in a bag or bucket and bring them to the Wira Street bins.
For more information, contact Te Kauwhata CIf you have any questions about Community Compost feel free to contact Te Kauwhata Community House on 07 826 4303 orassistant@tekauwhata.org.nz. You can also visit the Community House between 9.30am and 4pm Monday to Friday or pop down to the Community Garden on a Tuesday morning to speak to the gardeners. They welcome new volunteer gardeners so if you have a spare morning or are curious to see how it all works go and say hello. They would love to meet you.
