Composting has long been touted as a sustainable solution to the escalating food waste problem. In Australia alone, an estimated 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted annually. Yet, this vital process remains underutilized and misunderstood by many Australians.

The recent report by Compost Connect and BioPak sheds light on the country’s composting behaviours, revealing a complex mix of enthusiasm, confusion, and untapped potential.

Australians See the Value in Composting

The good news? Australians overwhelmingly recognise the importance of composting. Key findings include:

• 91% of Australians agree that composting benefits soil and plant health.
• 70% place high importance on disposing of waste in the correct bin.
• One-third of Australians are already composting, with backyard composting leading the way.
• Despite these positive attitudes, the road to widespread compost adoption is riddled with barriers.

Overwhelmed by Confusion

One of the report’s most striking revelations is the widespread confusion about compostable packaging and disposal methods:

• Only 1 in 10 Australians recognise compostable packaging logos.
• 44% mistakenly believe all packaging marked “made from plants” is compostable in council-provided Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins.

This lack of clarity isn’t just about packaging—it extends to broader composting practices, leaving many Australians unsure about how to dispose of compostable waste properly.

A Willingness to Do the Right Thing

Despite these challenges, the majority of Australians want to embrace composting.

Over 50% of non-composters express interest in starting, particularly younger Australians. Furthermore:

• Nearly half (45%) of Australians feel cost-of-living pressures don’t hinder their ability to recycle or compost.
• 70% would seek out compostable logos if their meanings were clearer.

Recommendations for a Compost-Ready Australia

To unlock Australia’s composting potential, the report outlines actionable steps:

Better Education: Clear, accessible information on compostable logos and waste disposal practices is essential.

Improved Legislation: Unified policies can curb greenwashing and ensure compostable packaging meets high standards.

Infrastructure Investment: Expanding FOGO bin availability and industrial composting facilities will make composting accessible to all Australians.

Business Accountability: Companies must obtain proper certifications, label their products clearly, and educate consumers.

A Shared Responsibility

The path to a circular economy isn’t solely the government’s responsibility. Individuals, businesses, and community organisations all have roles to play.

Compost Connect, a not-for-profit platform, exemplifies this collaborative effort by connecting businesses to composting services and empowering consumers with education and resources.

Visit the BioPak website to learn how together, we can turn food and packaging waste into valuable resources, reducing landfill impact and paving the way for a sustainable future.

To find out more about BioPak products visit your local RapidClean Member