1. Waste solutions available from Australian Bio-Plastics Biodegradable mulch film Compostable bags for collection and disposal of organic waste to landfill – Australian made – Meet the requirements of Australian commercial and home composting standards Compostable disposable food ware

2. Biodegradable mulch film Conventional polyethylene mulch film must be removed from the soil and disposed of. Removal and transport to landfill uses fuel and contributes to green house gases – also requires labour Landfill sites are filling and all levels of government are committed to reduce waste going to landfill. Australian Bio-Plastics biodegradable mulch film is laid on the soil and used the same as conventional mulch film. At the end of the crop cycle, biodegradable mulch film is simply ploughed into the soil where it biodegrades to carbon dioxide, water and carbon biomass. There is no toxic residue. Nothing remains in the soil that was not there beforehand

3. Collection and disposal of household food waste to composting The Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2006 stated that by weight, organic materials originating from food scraps and garden waste make up the largest component of household waste. AND Australians generated approximately 32.4 million tonnes of solid waste or approximately 1,629 kilograms of waste per person in 2002– 03. Of this amount, approximately 27% of Australia's solid waste came from municipal sources – 440 kilograms

4. In 2007 the then NSW Department of Environment and Conservation reviewed Australian and overseas experience in the diversion of food waste. Overseas experience indicates diversion of 2 kg per household per week is common. Australian trials and diversion programmes indicate household diversion ranging from 1.24 kg per household per week (Burnside SA) to 2.1 kg per household per week (Lismore NSW) Christchurch NZ trial diverted 2.4 kg per week. Lismore NSW diverts 86% of organics from the mixed waste stream Coffs harbour reported a drop of 50% of organics in the residual bin. The percentage of food waste in the household organics bin ranged from 3 – 7% (Cooma NSW) through 8 – 12% (Berridale NSW) to 20% (Christchurch NZ) Household food waste collection

5. Greater Shepparton population is 60,000 There are approximately 21,000 households in the greater Shepparton area. Assuming food waste diversion of 1.5 kg per household per week, 31.5 T of waste could be diverted from landfill to composting or 1,600 T per year. The composted food waste along with currently collected green waste can be returned to the soil as a high value nutrient. Less petrochemical based fertilisers required for crops More balanced and productive soil – lower water use Household food waste collection

6. Must be convenient, clean and non hazardous for the householder. Must not contaminate the organic fraction Must be easy for the composter to process Answer is – Compostable bioplastic bags that breathe – Ventilated kitchen caddies

7. References Co-Collection of Domestic Food Waste and Garden Organics – The Australian Experience – Department of Environment and Conservation NSW – Published March 2007 Valuing our Food Waste – South Australia’s Hoesehold Food Waste Recycling Pilot – Summary Report – 2010 Zero Waste SA. www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au/food-wastewww.zerowaste.sa.gov.au/food-waste WRAP (Waste and Resource Action Programme UK) – Performance analysis of mixed food and garden waste collection schemes – Final Report – February 2010 Australasian Bioplastics Association video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vxq- eZQjnU&feature=plcp. Many more available on request