From wheelie bin to worm farm

A new project by Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste has repurposed old wheelie bins into worm bins for Silverdale School’s Garden to Table programme.

Garden to Table encourages children to grow and harvest vegetables, fruit and herbs in the school gardens, and then prepare and cook them in the school kitchen. This teaches them where their food comes from, promotes healthy eating and reduces waste.

Silverdale School’s Garden to Table team needed worm bins to help create nutrient-rich soil for the gardens.

Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste’s solution utilised old recycling bins.

When recycling bins reach the end of their useful life, they often end up in landfill. By repurposing them, this project reduces waste and extends the lifespan of the bins. 

Turning the bins into worm farms involved drilling holes in the sides and bottom for ventilation and drainage. A layer of shredded paper and compost was added to the bottom of each bin, followed by a layer of soil and compost (tiger) worms. 

The worms break down the food scraps and create nutrient-rich vermicast and worm ‘wee’ for use in the school gardens.

This repurposing of wheelie bins could also be done by home gardeners.

In addition, Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste donated 20 food caddies to the school for collecting food scraps and other organic waste in, to add to the worm bins.

Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste’s work is made possible by Waste Wise funding through Auckland Council and is also endorsed by Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.