Queenstown Lakes Community Composting Project

To advance our strategic focus of diverting organic waste from landfill, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has secured co-funding from the Ministry for the Environment’s (MfE) Waste Minimisation Fund for the delivery of the Community Composting Project.

The focus of the project is to support the establishment of a network of Community Composting Hubs across the district, that will divert organic material, food scraps and garden waste, from landfill and turn it into a beneficial resource for use in community gardens, restoration projects, or to provide back to the community.

In addition to the waste diversion outcomes, the hubs will give everyone the opportunity to participate in educational opportunities that raise awareness on the topic of organic waste and provide hands on experience of composting. It is also intended for the project to improve data and research to inform QLDC's future organic waste management planning.

We are currently supporting two Community Composting Hubs – Grow Wānaka and Zero Waste Glenorchy – and are looking to establish at least three additional hubs.

We are looking for applicants who have the skills, knowledge, expertise and passion to implement and operate a community composting hub that achieves the following:

• Diversion of organic waste from the landfill. Hubs will need to receive and process a minimum of 50 tonnes of organic waste during the project period.

• Build composting skills and awareness of organic waste impacts. Hubs will need to provide a minimum of five educational opportunities for the community and visitors during the project period.

• Improve data and research to inform QLDC's future organics waste planning. Hubs will be required to track in/outputs of organic material, and report on project progress and outcomes to QLDC.

Our community has demonstrated that waste minimisation is something a great deal of us are passionate about. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a diverse approach to improving organic waste management in the district and boost local community resilience, wellbeing and connection.

If you are interested in this opportunity and have a desire to reduce organic waste material to landfill, increase education and engagement of our community in composting activity, and develop community wellbeing and resilience then we look forward to hearing from you. 

The application process is open to community groups, businesses, and Iwi/Māori organisations within the Queenstown Lakes District.

There will be up to $100,000.00 of funding available for the establishment and/or operation of a hub for a period of up to 12 months.

After the 12-month period, the hub(s) will need to be self-sufficient or seek alternative funding.

Before you apply, please read and understand our detailed requirements: 

You can email your questions to us at zerowaste@qldc.govt.nz. Time can also be arranged to talk through your ideas with our waste minimisation team if needed.

Use the response template below to submit your application. Before you do, please take the time to read and understand the information provided.

Please email your application to zerowaste@qldc.govt.nz

The deadline for applications is 8 September 2023.