Waste & Recycling

Your green waste becomes local mulch – eventually

Green waste + machinery + labour + time + transport = mulch

Our region’s green waste that comes through the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority (FRWA) Waste and Recycling Depots is a perfect example of the circular economy.  A waste product that used to end up in landfill is now processed and converted into useful mulch.

Why is there a cost to buy the mulch?

Some residents have queried why there is a charge for mulch. The answer relates to all process steps and their associated costs required to convert the waste product into usable mulch:

1. 1. Green waste is moved by a loader and a skilled staff member
   2. A large specialist grinding machine and operator from a third party grind the bulk product
   3. Depending on the product, a secondary grind may occur (premium mulch is a finer grind)
   4. The ground product is moved by a loader and arranged in special windrows.
   5. The windrows are watered, monitored and rotated regularly for up to 6 weeks
   6. The resultant mulch is tested for contaminants
   7. The final product is again moved by heavy machinery or transported between FRWA sites, ready for sale to customers.

By buying the mulch, you are getting a local, environmentally friendly product that supports local jobs and best practice circular waste management, and its quality and price are comparable and favourable to commercial alternatives.