The Palaszczuk Government has been overwhelmed with Queensland schools and students wanting to join in the Organics Waste Smart Schools Program.
"We received a staggering 250 applications from state schools wanting to reduce their organic waste by motivating their communities to turn food and garden scraps into useable compost and other materials," Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said.
"I am pleased to announce that we have now selected 217 successful projects that we will support with total funding of almost $500,000.
"The Organic Waste Smart Schools Program allows schools to apply for up to $2500 for projects such as composting and worm farm systems, behaviour change initiatives, circular food waste systems and more."
Ms Scanlon said schools showed a great deal of imagination in coming up with projects that would encourage young students to become environmentally conscious adults by putting systems in place at school and at home to cut down on organic waste going to landfill.
"For example, Nundah State School will be installing compost bins and the Currumbin Community Special School will establish a worm farm and garden bed," Minister Scanlon said.
"Home Hill State School will become involved in sustainable agriculture, Cranbrook State School will work with Bokashi bins and chickens, Mundubbera State School is going to care for two goats, and the Capella State School is going to purchase bins to separate waste."
Ms Scanlon said there was "a wave of momentum" in Queensland communities looking to reduce their waste, increase their recycling and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"Avoiding and reducing organic waste is a strong first step," Minister Scanlon said.
"Organic matter, such as food and garden waste, make up to 50 per cent of what goes in domestic waste bins.
"This program allows us to help educate the next generation about how to reduce, reuse and recycle, which benefits everyone in the long run."
