Cool Compost

NSW Environment Protection Authority•circularag.com.au

Cool Compost is a show that gives you the good dirt on how commercial compost is transforming industries across Australia. Across five episodes, we explore how the commercial compost industry is growing and how you can benefit. We talk to experts about unlocking the benefits of compost, from boosting soil health to improving crop yield and increasing resilience in a changing climate. Hear from innovators using technology to transform the way compost is used. This podcast showcases projects funded by the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Organics Market Development grants program.

Last refreshed: July 26th, 2025 at 2:19 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Episode 6: How compost can be beneficial for native plants

This episode explores how composting supports native plants, from urban greening to tiny forests, while addressing challenges, science, and future innovations in sustainable landscaping. ‘Tune in to Learn’ Case study - what the Tiny Forests project is and how it works using compost - as explained by Felicity Scoburn from Wollongong Botanic Gardens. (2:45) How Fogo compost was used for the Tiny Forests project and how compost enriches soil for native plants - as explained by Michelle Bolger at So...

Dec 01, 2024•35 min

Episode 5: How compost can help government agencies meet recycled content targets

Purchasing and using compost not only improves soil health and productivity, it also provides cost-effective solutions for businesses and government agencies looking to reduce their waste and carbon footprint. In the final episode of the Cool Compost series, we talk to a government representative and the recycled organics industry about what’s on the horizon for compost, and hear about a case study that increased awareness and uptake in the infrastructure sector. Tune in to learn How compost mad...

Oct 03, 2022•20 min

Episode 4: How compost can deliver circular solutions for councils

Councils are largely responsible for managing our waste to landfill or recycling and keeping our waterways clean. Did you know that compost from recycled food and garden organic waste is a solution to both these challenges? In this episode we talk to a council that’s trialling waste reduction initiatives to achieve sustainability and circular economy goals. Tune in to learn How the City of Newcastle is working to reducing waste and recycle food and garden organics. (01:57) How the City of Newcas...

Jul 20, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Episode 3: How compost is transforming urban design and development in Australia

Whether you’re a landscape designer, project developer or town planner, using compost is a long-term investment in the health and productivity of landscape design. In this episode we talk to a consultant about how compost could improve your project’s overall sustainability rating. And we hear from a housing developer that’s leading the way in sustainable suburbs. Tune in to learn How commercial compost is helping to improve property and infrastructure projects, meet sustainability requirements, ...

Jul 20, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Episode 2: How Aussie vegetable growers can transform crops with commercial compost

When it comes to growing vegetables and other horticulture crops, soil health is vital. So, it's important to put nutrient-rich plant material back into the soil using recycled organics like compost. It builds soil health, structure and water holding capacity. In this episode, we talk to a vegetable grower who trialled compost made from supermarket food waste. And we hear from experts about the growing opportunities for the horticulture industry as food and garden organics waste collection ramps...

Jul 20, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Episode 1: How commercial compost boosts soils and profits

Compost has been used in agriculture for centuries, but the widespread potential of commercial compost in the grazing industry remains largely untapped. Why? In this episode, we talk to a grazier who used compost to transform his farming landscape from dirt poor to rich pasture. And we hear from an environmental scientist who’s used the power of compost pellets to boost a farmer’s crop by 30%. Tune in to learn How grazier Steve Leisk and his wife transformed their property in central west NSW in...

Jun 19, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Cool Compost Trailer

As New South Wales transitions to a circular economy, more and more food and garden waste is being diverted from landfill, instead being recycled into quality compost. What’s driving this is the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy, which aims to halve organic waste to landfill and achieve net zero emissions from organics in landfill by 2030, paving the way for compost production to ramp up. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA for short) is leading this transition and has alrea...

Jun 07, 2022•1 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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