Since late 2020, PBC has operated an on-site food waste composting machine as part of our commitment to sustainability and waste reduction.
The machine is capable of processing up to 100 kilograms of food waste per day, reducing the volume by 80–90% within just 24 hours.
To date, PBC has processed more than 30,500 kilograms of food waste through this system. This includes organic waste collected from student lunches, the canteen, the Home Economics kitchens, the Trade Training Centre, and contributions from the wider community. Through this initiative, what would otherwise end up in landfill is instead transformed into over 8 tonnes of nutrient-rich compost, which is then used to support gardens and environmental projects around the school.
Our composting program also extends beyond the school gates through community partnerships. We work with local organisations such as Seed the Ground and Elanora State High School to support sustainable waste management across the region. Seed the Ground has contributed more than 7,000 kilograms of food waste from local restaurants, while Elanora State High School has composted over 3,000 kilograms of its own school food waste through our machine. These partnerships highlight the power of collaboration in promoting responsible environmental practices.
