In an innovative effort to reduce organic waste, a Braidwood farm is converting truckloads of plates, cutlery, and food leftovers from the National Folk Festival into nutrient-rich fertilizer, effectively preventing tons of waste from ending up in landfills.
Over the course of a year, approximately seven tons of organic refuse from the five-day music event held in Canberra will be transformed into high-quality compost, providing a sustainable solution to what would otherwise seem like illegal dumping. Martin Royds, a fifth-generation farmer at Jillamatong farm, located about an hour from Canberra, views this organic waste as a valuable resource that should be reintegrated into the soil.
“It’s a cycle of sustainability—plate to paddock to plate,” Royds explained. “Previously, people regarded this waste as trash, but most items are compostable. Composting not only reduces methane emissions but also enriches the soil.”
Each year, the National Folk Festival produces significant amounts of organic waste, including biodegradable plates, utensils, coffee grounds, cornstarch cups, and food scraps. For nearly six decades, the festival incurred substantial costs for waste disposal; however, for the past two years, Royds has been accepting this waste at no charge, with the only expense being the transportation to his farm.
“It’s a win-win-win situation,” Royds noted. “The festival previously had to pay to send waste to a landfill, where it would decompose and emit methane. Now, waste has transformed from a financial burden to a beneficial resource that nourishes my soil and livestock, ultimately contributing to a healthier food supply in Canberra.”
To create fertilizer from the festival waste, Royds combines the carbon-heavy materials with a nitrogen-rich addition derived from insect excrement. He then enhances the composting process by applying a biological inoculant filled with beneficial microbes, which accelerates decomposition. The mixture is covered with recycled pool covers to create anaerobic conditions, and after a year, it becomes unrecognizable, with only a few remnants, such as small plastic fruit labels, remaining.
“The only persistent items are those little stickers that indicate whether a fruit is an avocado or a lemon—it’s puzzling why they’re necessary,” Royds remarked.
Gerry Gillespie, a former waste management professional, has long advocated for the reintegration of organic materials into the soil to address the escalating waste problem and enhance soil health. He believes Australia is missing a critical opportunity in its waste management practices.
Statistics show that organic materials, including paper and cardboard, make up 60 to 70 percent of the average waste stream. Research from the NSW Department of Primary Industries indicates that 7 percent of agricultural soil in Australia contains less than 1 percent organic matter, a figure that declines with each ton of synthetic fertilizer applied. With current geopolitical conflicts affecting fertilizer imports, Gillespie argues that returning organic waste to the soil is an essential step forward.
However, he emphasizes the need for education to ensure success in this initiative. “People require the right resources, motivation, and knowledge,” he stated. “If they see the benefits for themselves and future generations, they’ll be more inclined to participate. Simply providing a bin and leaving people to figure it out is not enough.”
The compost pile created from this year’s Folk Festival lacks the usual odor associated with waste. Once treated with the inoculant, both flies and unpleasant smells are eliminated. In twelve months, the pile will be transformed into fertile soil, strategically placed on higher ground to utilize rainwater, allowing gravity to distribute nutrients to lower pastures.
Royds noted, “We position it high on the farm to let gravity assist in nutrient distribution.” In five years, the cattle will graze on pastures enriched by composted festival waste. This practice of natural sequence farming, which emphasizes organic matter development and soil retention, has positively impacted not only the land but also the farm’s profitability.
A study by Soils for Life, an independent research organization, revealed that Royds’ production costs have significantly decreased while output has increased. “It’s irrational not to adopt this approach,” he asserted.
Royds’ farming methods have evolved over time. Initially starting as a contract sprayer, he has since undergone a mindset shift, finding joy in transforming what many consider waste into valuable resources.
“Instead of approaching each day with a focus on what needs to be eliminated, I now look for benefits—such as new grass growth,” he shared. “Changing one’s perspective is the toughest part of this journey.”
He quoted farmer and author Charles Massy, stating, “The greatest transformation occurs in the acre between our ears.” Since altering his farming philosophy, Royds has observed increasingly positive outcomes on his land.
“Every action I take is beneficial for the soil, pastures, animals, and my health,” he concluded, expressing a commitment to enhancing positive ecological feedback loops and fostering biodiversity on his farm.
