Recycled Organic Mulch and Compost

Click here to learn about Recycled Organic Mulch and Compost

Frequently Asked Questions

Quality of material

Q. What is recycled mulch and compost made from? Where does the material come from?

A. Essentially the products are made from your garden organics (green waste) that has been put out for collection by your council and from selected organic materials from food outlets.

Q. How is the recycled mulch and compost made?

A. The collected green organics materials are professionally processed, using a controlled batch composting technique, as prescribed by the Australian standards for composting (AS4454). This involves an initial pasteurisation period for up to five weeks followed by a composting and maturing period for up to another five to eight weeks. In the pasteurisation process the mulch is heated up to more than 55°C to destroy weeds, seeds and pathogens (plant diseases).

During the composting and maturing period the mulch further breaks down to form a mature product which is then screened. The fine particles formed from the screening process becomes the compost (soil conditioner) while the coarse fraction becomes the mulch. Composted mulches are applied on the top of the soil as opposed to compost (or soil conditioner) which is mixed through the soil.

Cost of material

Q. Why do we have to pay for the material in the first place?

A. There is a cost to purchase this material because it cost councils to collect and process organic material into a high quality material, which in actual fact currently costs more than sending it to landfill. However, environmental broader economic benefits still justify turning organic material into high quality compost or mulch.

Q. Why is the recycled mulch generally cheaper than other mulches sold at the garden centre? What is the catch?

A. This a collaborative effort by Melbourne metropolitan councils, the organic processing industry and local environmentally aware garden centres, to try and encourage more people to 'close the loop' by buying back products that have been made out of recycled material. Using quality recycled organic products is also good for the soil, saves water and benefits the environment.

Using the material

Q. How do I apply the mulch and compost?

A. Compost is dug into the soil whereas mulch is placed on top of the soil.

Q. What is the difference between recycled compost and mulch?

A. Compost is generally a finer material made from a variety of organic matter, including food and garden organics. It is generally richer in nutrients and minerals and makes an ideal natural soil conditioner for your soil. Mulch is a coarser material, comprising different size particles. It is made from a variety of organic matter, including timber and plant material. It is placed on garden beds to assist in retaining moisture in the soil and to prevent future weed growth. It also adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.

Delivery

Q. I wanted to get a small amount of compost or mulch delivered but the garden centre said it was not possible.

A. It is not cost effective to make deliveries for very small loads. Most garden centres require a minimum delivery of one cubic metre; however some might deliver smaller loads depending on distance and time to get to your property. Ask your garden centre what their minimum delivery is. As a general guide one half a cubic metre of mulch or compost will fill a standard (6 by 4) box trailer.

Q. But I don't have a car or trailer and my garden is so small I really only need about one half a cubic metre and I would really like to get the recycled compost/mulch!

A. Can you talk any of your neighbours into sharing a load so for example you can get a minimum delivery and split it into two? Also you may have some friends or relatives with a trailer who may be able to pick up a small load for you.

Q. I am not near a garden centre stocking the products but I would like to get some of the recycled mulch or compost.

A. Look up the list of retail stockists on our website and see which is the nearest garden centre to you. Contact the garden centre to see what the delivery charge is for your area. Alternatively, you can arrange to pick it up if you have a trailer.

Q. I usually go to my normal garden centre. Why can't I get this compost from them?

A. When we looked at promoting recycled organics we sent around expressions of interest to as many garden centres we could find listed in the area. The garden centres participating are those that responded positively to the idea and agreed to stock the organic mulch and compost. The long term aim is to try and have most garden centres across Melbourne stocking recycled organic mulch and/ or compost. Hopefully in the future you will see this type of material at your local garden supply centre. Why not ask them about getting it in?

Special Offers for the Autumn Promotion

Q. Are there any special offers available for buying these products?

A. Yes, the Autumn promotion includes a special offer if you buy a minimum volume of product. Special offers vary from store to store. The offer is free additional product on bulk orders (m3) of recycled organics.
- Minimum quantities to qualify for free additional product may apply.

Q. Are there any other special offers available?

A. Yes, there is a special prize draw for customers to enter. Customers who purchase either the recycled compost and/or mulch during the promotion period (14th February to 13th April 2009) and return their Customer Survey form will have a chance win one of 400 x$50 vouchers. The vouchers are to be redeemed at the Healthy Sustainable Gardens store where original purchase was made. To enter the prize draw all you will need to do is:

• Complete and return the completed survey form that is contained in the Customer Pack by 30 April 2009. Customer Packs are presented to customers upon sale or delivery of product. Prize draw will be held on 1st May 2009 and winners will be notified by phone.
• A $50 voucher will then be mailed or emailed to each of the 400 winners.
• Vouchers are to be redeemed at store where original recycled mulch or compost was purchased.
• One $50 voucher per customer applies.

Victorian Government Water Rebate

Q. How does the Rebate work?

A. Basically if you spend $100 or more on any combination of water saving products such as mulch or other government approved products, you can receive a $30 rebate on your next water bill. All you need to do is fill out a rebate claim form, attach receipts and return it to your water authority.

See all detail at www.ourwater.vic.gov.au or phone 136 186.

Q. Who is eligible?

A. If you purchase mulch or compost valued at $100 ask your garden centre for a government rebate claim form. You will need to keep your receipts given to you on delivery of your material as these will be needed to be attached to your rebate claim form.

For more information visit Sustainable Gardening Australia's website at www.sgaonline.org.au.

This is an initiative of the Metropolitan Waste Management Group, www.mwmg.vic.gov.au and supported by Sustainability Victoria and participating local councils.

Click here for more details.

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