Food Scraps Bin Survey Insights
Our recent survey highlighted how our community uses food scraps bins, revealing what’s working well and where there’s room for improvement. Most respondents find the bins useful, but barriers like odour, bin durability, and uncertainty around what can go into the bins are preventing some from making the most of this service. Here’s a quick look at our key takeaways and next steps.
Usage and Benefits
Many residents use the food scraps bin weekly, but a significant number have also adopted alternative methods such as home composting or feeding scraps to animals like chickens and pigs - a positive shift in reducing waste. However, not all food scraps are ideal for home composting or animal feed.
We’ll provide guidance on which scraps are best suited for the bins and highlight items that may be unsuitable for other methods. We’re also rolling out a new awareness campaign to reinforce the environmental impact of bin use, with simple tips for integrating the bin into daily routines.
Odour and Pests
Odour control was a significant theme, particularly with summer approaching, as residents requested practical tips for managing this.
We’ll share ideas like freezing scraps before bin day and provide more information on maintaining bin freshness.
Bin Quality & Replacement
Concerns were raised about broken handles and lids, with some residents feeling the bins were too large for smaller households.
Our first step toward improving this service is offering free replacements for original food scraps bins. Is your original dark green Para Kai | Food Scraps Bin, (issued in September 2023) showing some wear and tear? If the handle, lid or bin is broken, bring it to one of our service centres for a free replacement. Just remember to give it a good clean first.
Next Steps
Keep an eye out for more updates as we work to improve and encourage this service. Thanks to everyone who completed our survey, helping us understand how we can better support your efforts to reduce food waste. We’re excited to continue enhancing the food scraps bin system, making it even easier and more rewarding to participate in sustainable practices.
