Young people in South Australia are calling on the South Australian Government to make an active effort to ensure all South Australian high schools have access to and use organic waste bins, and can dispose of their organic waste.

Organic waste includes common forms of waste from school canteens: all food scraps, compostable packaging (often used as a replacement for single use plastic packaging), and food-soiled paper and cardboard.

When organic waste goes into landfill it rots instead of breaking down properly, generating the harmful greenhouse gas methane. Methane has 28 times the greenhouse gas impact of carbon dioxide, affecting air quality, public health, and contributing to climate change.

Every year, 200,000 tonnes of food waste is sent to landfill in South Australia.

Schools can play a leading role in helping to reduce the volume of food and organic waste being sent to landfill by providing organic waste bins in all South Australian high schools.

The next round of the single use plastic ban coming into effect in September 2024 offers a timely opportunity to promote the correct disposal of biodegradable alternatives, so that they don't end up in landfill.

Students want to be part of the change towards a greener future and to feel proud of their school and government in taking such practical action to protect the environment.

Show your support!
Sign the petition to call for the South Australian Government to make an active effort to ensure all South Australian high schools have access to and use organic waste bins, and can dispose of their organic waste.