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Six Month Case Study
IntroductionIN NOVEMBER 2013 THE CITY OF SYDNEY PARTNERED WITH THE GREEN LIVING CENTRE (GLC) TO TRIAL LARGE-SCALE WORM FARMING WITH AN APARTMENT BUILDING AS PART OF THE SMART GREEN APARTMENTS PROGRAM. THE TRIAL RAN OVER SIX MONTHS AND INVOLVED BUILDING RESIDENTS, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
An EOI was sent to suitable apartment blocks and Motto in Erskineville was chosen for the following reasons:
Strong residents committee with a number of identified ‘Worm Champions’;
Support of the body corporate;
Extensive gardens on which to use outputs from the worm farm;
Underground carpark and bin bays with a lockable room appropriate for the worm farm; and
Close proximity to the Green Living Centre to allow regular service visits from GLC staff.
Key objectivesThe key objectives of the project were to:
Reduce food waste going to landfill by trialling onsite worm farming in an apartment building
Trial a system for diverting food waste from landfill that is successfully managed by owners, occupiers and service providers
Determine the acceptance and appropriateness of large-scale worm farms in a residential complex.
OutcomesSuccessful trial of a large-scale worm farm
with multiple users and the identification of education needs and management systems
The worm farm became a way for residents to connect with each other
No complaints by other residents, cleaners or management
Its more than food waste, but also community empowerment and education
Motto large scale worm farm trial
DataTotal input - 326.6 kg Total output - 389.1 LThe graph overleaf shows that feeding increased over time, most of which was after the 3 month breeding phase for the worms. This should continue to increase post trial up to the capacity of the system.
Green Living Centre Case Study
week 1 week 3 week 5 week 7 week 9 week 13 week 15 week 17 week 19 week 21 week 23 week 25
Total feed (Kg)
Total output (L)
Linear (Total output)
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Data graph
They recorded the inputs (kgs food in) and outputs (litres of liquid) in the diary
After 3 months, the ‘champions’ invited more residents to contribute
The method they used was developed by them, and advice was given by the GLC if needed.
For a detailed report of the trial or more info, please contact the Green Living Centre.
Contact: Suji Jadhav, Snr Environment Officer
Phone: (02) 9519 6366
Email: [email protected]
For more information
How we did itTHERE WERE ESSENTIALLY THREE PHASES TO THIS TRIAL: PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION AND EXPANDING.
Motto’s executive committee approved the trial and chose worm farm ‘champions’
Peter Carroll of SCRAP ltd designed, delivered and installed the system. ‘Champions’, the building manager and GLC staff helped with the installation.
‘Champions’ drafted a management plan of the system based on what they thought would work for them.
2 weeks after installation a workshop was given for the ‘champions’ and any concerned residents on how to maintain a worm farm.
They were given a kit that included a feeding/output diary, critter cards and the 1500L worm farm management guidelines. They were also given scales, rake and dolomite.
During the first 3 months of the trial only the ‘champions’ fed the system in order to get used to it before expanding it to other residents as well as for the worms to get through their breeding phase
RecommendationsTHERE WERE SEVERAL ACTIONS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THIS TRIAL. FROM THIS, HERE ARE SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS.
Set up a group where half the members have both commitment and availability to the project for its duration.
There needs to be a structured roster system method of collecting data and feedback
Having a mixture of age ranges, owners and renters participating. with a couple of ‘do-ers’ who are totally involved.
Having access to a person from either the Council or other group that has expertise in worm farming.
