Organic waste.

What is organic waste?

The organic waste stream is a mix of garden or green waste and food waste (putrescibles) that can be composted and used as a soil conditioner.

Compost is the end result of controlled aerobic decomposition or a mix of green waste (rich in nitrogen) and brown waste (rich in carbon).

Green waste includes:

• Grass clippings
• Flower cuttings
• Food scraps - no bones or meat
• Hedge trimmings
• Coffee grounds
• Tea bags and tea leaves
• Manure
• Weeds (without seeds).

Brown waste includes:

• Torn newspapers/cardboard
• Egg cartons
• Tree prunings (branches)
• Dry leaves
• Bark/untreated sawdust
• Wood ash

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How can I dispose of my food scraps or garden waste?

• Find out how you can compost at home
• Order a garden bag or bin
• Take your green waste to a local transfer station.

Compost at home

Create Your Own Eden encourages householders to put organic waste to work in the garden. 

Visit Create your own Eden for more information on composting, worm farming, bokashi system and smart gardening.

Free composting courses - 2011

Manukau City residents can take advantage of free Create Your Own Eden courses to learn about home composting, worm farming and the bokashi system.

Upon completion of the course you will receive a $23 discount voucher to purchase a compost or worm bin.

Create Your Own Eden composting courses - full information and dates

Registration

Registration is essential as places are limited. You can register as follows:

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Garden bags and bins

A number of private companies provide a garden bag and bin collection service. All bags and bins vary in size and you can choose how often they are collected.

Below is a few of the garden bag and bin companies:

• Green Fingers
  Phone: 0800 820 000
• Manukau Garden Bags
  Phone: 0800 502 702
• Sunshine Garden Bag Company
  Phone: 0800 786 224
• Waste Management
  Phone: 0800 2 GARDEN (0800 242 7336).

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