City of Cockburn residents are eligible for subsidies on worm farms, compost bins and bokashi bins. Different home waste compost systems are suitable for different types of households and waste needs.
About the home waste compost subsidy
The City of Cockburn offers a home waste compost subsidy that part funds the cost of worm farms, compost bins and bokashi bins. Please read through the table below to decide which home waste compost subsidy is best for you.
Features of different home waste compost systems
| |
Bokashi bin
$50 subsidised rate |
EnsoPet pet waste composter
$30 subsidised rate |
Compost bin
$50 rebate |
Worm farm
$95 subsidised rate |
| Dwelling suitability |
House, apartment, office, no garden |
Houses, schools, anywhere with gardens |
Houses, schools, anywhere with gardens |
House, apartment, office, no garden |
| Location |
Anywhere, indoor or outdoor |
Outside |
Ideally outside, away from house in a sunny area |
Indoor or out, ideally outside and in shade |
| Efficiency |
Efficient break down into liquid, though dry scraps take longer and need to be buried in soil |
In-ground composter efficiently breaks down pet waste using EnsoPet Starter |
Variable. Dependent on carbon/ nitrate ratio and aeration. Fast process if well maintained |
Dependent on worms but generally fast in process |
| Odour levels |
No odour if bin is kept sealed in air-tight container |
EnsoPet starter eliminates odour |
Dependant on carbon/nitrate ratios. Nil if well maintained |
No odour if worm farm is well maintained and scraps are being digested |
| Maintenance costs |
Around $13 per bokashi mix bag |
Around $14 per EnsoPet starter mix bag |
No cost once set up |
No cost once set up |
| Fertiliser |
Liquid |
Solid |
Solid |
Liquid and solid |
How to obtain
Rebate or Subsidy (Cockburn residents only) |
Collect and pay by cash, credit card or cheque at City of Cockburn Administration Building. Proof of residency required. |
Collect and pay by cash, credit card or cheque at City of Cockburn Administration Building. Proof of residency required. |
Purchase your own compost bin that suits your needs and receive a $50 rebate via online application form. Proof of purchase (receipt) and residence required. |
Only available at Cockburn Worm Farming workshops. Registration essential, bring $95 cash for purchase at workshop. |
Waste accepted in different home waste compost systems
| |
Bokashi Bin |
EnsoPet Composter |
Compost Bin |
Worm Farm |
| Veggie scraps |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Citrus and onions |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Small amounts |
| Meat scraps and bones |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| Dairy |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Coffee grounds and tea bags |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Egg shells |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Garden waste |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Pet poo |
No |
Yes |
Only vegetarian pets |
Yes, but best in separate worm farm for meat eating pets |
| Paper and cardboard |
Small amounts |
No |
Small amounts |
Small amounts, shredded |
Worm farms are a great way of using kitchen scraps to produce fertiliser for your garden. The worm farm subsidy includes:
- 4-tiered unit
- 20kg of castings
- 1kg of worms
- Instruction manual and tailored workshop.
Residents are required to attend an online workshop and learn how to set-up and use worm farm units. The workshops are run in partnership with The Worm Shed.
Find out when the next workshop is on.
Cost: $95. Payment options are explained during the workshop.
Bokashi bins opens in a new window are designed for odour-free composting in the kitchen and are great for those with smaller gardens. Visit the City’s Administration Building and purchase your 20L Bokashi Bin. You must provide proof of residency. This includes a bag of Bokashi Dust (lasts an average household 3-4 weeks) and instructions. Maximum two bins per household.
Cost: $50
EnsoPet contains everything you need to easily and hygienically compost pet waste. Keep your yard clean and reduce landfill while enriching the soil. Visit the City's Administration building and purchase your EnsoPet. You must provide proof of residency. This includes a bag of EnsoPet Starter and instructions. Maximum one per household.
Cost: $30
Compost bins are great for households with a medium to large garden and can be used to transform kitchen and garden waste into a valuable soil additive.
Buy a compost bin of your choice and receive a $50 rebate upon proof of purchase and residence. Please complete the compost bin rebate online application form below. Please note your rebate will be processed within 8 weeks. Maximum one bin per household.
Compost Bin Rebate Application Form
Compost caddy - free
Compost caddies are suitable for collecting food scraps in the kitchen and transferring them straight into a worm farm or compost bin. The caddies are free and are available from the City’s Administration Building. Maximum one caddy per household.
More information and contact
Please contact the City’s Waste Education Team for more information on 08 9411 3444 or at
customer@cockburn.wa.gov.au