Composting for a cause

The Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre (CNLC) Compost Hub is a great example of environmental stewardship and community spirit in our area.

Last year we diverted 36,000 kilograms of food waste from landfills, a milestone made possible through the participation of more than 700 residents and various local businesses like Brandon Hotel, Fenton, Sunhands, Church of All Nations (CAN), and Open Table.

Our hub doesn't just manage waste, it transforms it into nutrient-rich compost for community gardens and urban agriculture, demonstrating a commitment to a circular economy where waste is repurposed into valuable resources.

In 2023 we expanded our compost hub thanks to the support of Sustainability Victoria. An essential part of our success is our team of volunteers and compost officer, Carlos.

Every Wednesday Carlos uses an electric cargo bike to collect food waste from participating local businesses, weighs it, deposits it into the compost hubs, adds untreated sawdust and turns the compost. This work not only ensures efficient and regular waste collection but also fosters strong connections with our local business partners.

The CNLC Compost Hub offers residents the opportunity to purchase this high-quality compost. Last week one local resident who uses our compost told us their tomatoes and cucumbers have never grown so well!

Standard compost is available at $5 per bucket, with a special offer in February of three buckets for $10. We also provide a vegan compost (produced from a dedicated compost bay where no animal products) for $7 per bucket or three for $15.

These sales help support our work with some of the most disadvantaged members of our community with food relief, free community lunches, and employment and education programs. It also supports the community to directly benefit from their contributions to sustainability.

Our initiative is about more than reducing waste; it’s about cultivating a community conscious of its environmental impact and eager to contribute to a greener future. We invite everyone to participate, whether by contributing food waste, purchasing compost, or engaging in conversations about sustainability.

Drop in to CNLC 9am to 5pm weekdays to purchase compost or register to be part of our compost hub. You can also order on our website with pick up from CNLC at 20 Princes St, Carlton North.