Compost rebate program
Composting, worm farming and food waste recycling are effective ways to produce rich compost for your garden while reducing food waste to landfill and greenhouse gas emissions.
Brisbane City Council has made it more affordable to get started on composting and food waste recycling at home with our compost rebate program since 2020. This provides eligible Brisbane residents with a rebate of up to:
Composting equipment *^ (one per household)
$100 - for the purchase of eligible composting equipment made on or from 1 January 2024 for those joining the program for the first time.
Food waste recycling equipment (one per household)
$200 - for the purchase of food waste dehydrator system or in-sink food disposal system made on or from 1 January 2024.
* rebates claimed between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2023 were eligible for a maximum rebate of $70.
^ if you have previously claimed a rebate for $70, you are not eligible for the $100 rebate.
Things you need to know to make a claim
- You must make the claim using your personal bank account. Someone else cannot claim on your behalf using their bank account.
- The rebate is a one-off incentive claim for two eligible rebate items, one eligible composting equipment and one eligible food waste recycling equipment (e.g. food waste dehydrator and in-sink food disposal system) per household.
- If you are eligible for a claim, Council will reimburse up to the applicable maximum rebate amount of the original cost.
- You must be living at the property to claim the compost rebate.
- Tenants and property owners are welcome to apply. Landlords and property managers are not eligible to claim the rebate for their rental properties. Tenants are required to obtain landlord's approval prior to installing an in-sink food disposal system.
Before you start your claim
You will need the following items to complete your claim:
- a copy of your receipt of purchase - the description of the item, supplier, date and ABN must all be clearly legible
- your property address
- your bank account details for the rebate to be refunded to.
Steps to claim your rebate
Buy your compost equipment
Select and purchase your eligible composting equipment item from any retailer or online platform (excluding second-hand distributors). Eligible items include:
Eligible composting equipment (one per household):
- compost bin or tumbler
- compost aerator or drill
- worm farm or tower
- in-ground composter or worm farm
- bokashi composting system
- compost monitoring device (e.g. temperature probe, compost sensor)
- pet waste composting system.
Eligible food waste recycling equipment (one per household):
- food waste dehydrator system
- in-sink food disposal system
Check out the eligibility criteria in our terms and conditions.
Consider supporting a local business (e.g. local nursery) when purchasing your equipment.
Before you buy, find out how to choose the right compost equipment.
Remember to keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
Claim your rebate
Claiming your rebate is easy!
Fill in all of the required fields in the rebate request form. Remember to submit the form once complete.
Rebates that are successfully submitted will be paid via a direct deposit into the bank account nominated within 30 days of making the claim.
Start composting
You are now ready to start composting!
For hints and tips on composting, worm farming, or using a bokashi, watch our videos.
Choose the right equipment
Watch the videos below and read the content under more information, hints and tips to find out more about composting, worm farming and bokashi to help you choose the system that will best work for you.
Length: 3 minutes and 20 seconds.
Length: 3 minutes and 40 seconds.
Length: 3 minutes and 47 seconds
Frequently asked questions
Can residents buy a second-hand composting system?
Can residents buy a second-hand composting system?
No. Second-hand composting or food waste recycling equipment of any type is not eligible.
What if I live in a share house? Is every resident of my home eligible for the rebate?
What if I live in a share house? Is every resident of my home eligible for the rebate?
No. There are two rebates per household, limited to one composting equipment and one food waste recycling equipment (includes food waste dehydrator and in-sink food disposal system). The rebate is linked to the address and not the individual resident.
I own an investment property. Can I claim a rebate for a home I own, but do not live in?
I own an investment property. Can I claim a rebate for a home I own, but do not live in?
No. You must live at the home to claim the rebate. You can be a tenant or owner. Landlords are not eligible to claim a rebate for rental properties.
Can I purchase a compost bin and a worm farm, if I find two systems under $100?
Can I purchase a compost bin and a worm farm, if I find two systems under $100?
No. The rebate is limited to one composting system per household. You cannot buy multiple items for the $100 rebate.
Can I claim up to $100 and/or $200 (new Maximum Rebate Amount) if I buy my composting equipment and food waste recycling equipment (include food waste dehydrator system and in-sink food disposal system) before 1 January 2024?
Can I claim up to $100 and/or $200 (new Maximum Rebate Amount) if I buy my composting equipment and food waste recycling equipment (include food waste dehydrator system and in-sink food disposal system) before 1 January 2024?
No. The rebates of $100 and $200 are for the purchase of eligible composting equipment and eligible food waste recycling equipment on or after 1 January 2024 only. If you purchase an eligible composting equipment between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2023, you can submit a claim of up to $70 rebate.
Can I apply for another rebate on the eligible composting system if I have previously received a rebate?
Can I apply for another rebate on the eligible composting system if I have previously received a rebate?
No. The rebate is limited to one composting system per household. You cannot make multiple claims for a rebate.
Can I apply for another rebate on the eligible food waste recycling equipment if I have previously received a rebate?
Can I apply for another rebate on the eligible food waste recycling equipment if I have previously received a rebate?
Yes. A resident is able to apply for a rebate for eligible food waste recycling equipment if they have already had a rebate for a composting system.
What is a food waste dehydrator and what how do I use the dehydrated products?
What is a food waste dehydrator and what how do I use the dehydrated products?
A bench top food waste dehydrator dries and grinds food scraps using electricity into organic fertiliser. You can add the dehydrated products to your garden, to your compost or donate to a community garden.
What is the difference between a food waste dehydrator and a food dehydrator and which one can I get a rebate for?
What is the difference between a food waste dehydrator and a food dehydrator and which one can I get a rebate for?
Can I submit a rebate claim for consumable items and accessories such as worms, worm farm conditioner, bokashi grains and food waste dehydrator appliance filters?
Can I submit a rebate claim for consumable items and accessories such as worms, worm farm conditioner, bokashi grains and food waste dehydrator appliance filters?
No. Only compost equipment and food waste recycling equipment are eligible for the rebate. Live worms, carbon material, worm farm conditioner, bokashi grains or liquid spray, compost accelerator liquid, compost blocks, garden tools, food waste dehydrator filters and other consumable items are not eligible for the rebate.
How long before I get my rebate?
How long before I get my rebate?
You'll get your rebate within 30 days of acceptance of your submission. The rebate will be paid via direct deposit into your nominated bank account.
I don't have access to a computer. How do I claim my rebate?
I don't have access to a computer. How do I claim my rebate?
Applications for the rebate can only be submitted online. If you don’t have access to a computer with internet connection, consider asking a family or friend for assistance. Internet access is also available at Council libraries. Find out more about computers and Wi-Fi at Council libraries.
What if I lose my receipt for my claim?
What if I lose my receipt for my claim?
You must provide a copy of the receipt or proof of purchase which includes the date and an itemised list of the eligible product. A rebate will not be provided without a valid receipt.
If you have lost your receipt, you may be able to contact the supplier and ask if the receipt can be reissued.
Can I purchase the composting equipment and food waste recycling equipment online?
Can I purchase the composting equipment and food waste recycling equipment online?
Yes. Your composting equipment and food waste recycling equipment can be purchased online, however, postage costs are not eligible as part of your rebate claim.
Consider supporting a small, local, Brisbane-based business when purchasing your compost system.
What if I bought a compost system before 1 July 2020 but still have my receipt? Can I claim the rebate?
What if I bought a compost system before 1 July 2020 but still have my receipt? Can I claim the rebate?
No. Any equipment being claimed must have been purchased on or after 1 July 2020.
Can I claim my rebate in person at one of the regional business centres?
Can I claim my rebate in person at one of the regional business centres?
No. Applications for the rebate can only be submitted online. Consider asking your family and friends if you require computer or internet access, or use the free computer facilities at Council libraries.
I need help maintaining my composting system?
I need help maintaining my composting system?
Find out more by watching the instructional videos and reading resources under more information, hints and tips. You may also wish to attend one of Council's free compost and worm farm workshops.
I can’t see where to select a bokashi or similar composting system on the rebate form. How do I claim my rebate?
I can’t see where to select a bokashi or similar composting system on the rebate form. How do I claim my rebate?
If you have purchased a bokashi or similar system, simply select ‘compost bin’ on the rebate form. The system will automatically recognise this when you submit your rebate forms.