We are scaling down our composting operations here at Kelmarna. Since the roll out of the Auckland Council Food Scraps Collections Service for households in 2023, we have struggled to find enough customers to make a collection service with hot composting logistically and financially viable. As of August 2026 we have stopped our Soil Factory project.
We remain committed to maintaining composting as a key function in the Kelmarna Farm ecosystem. Compost provides a wonderful source of fertility for our gardens, and is an important part of a closed loop system which helps grow more food at our urban community farm.
Local residents can continue to drop-off their food scraps to us at the farm to be turned into living compost. Find our drop-off rates below.
PRICING
DROP-OFF RATES
10L bucket $5 per week
30L bucket $10 per week
All proceeds from compost drop-offs support the wider Kelmarna Community Farm mission to create a better food future and more connected communities.
Why Compost Matters
By utilising our community’s food scraps we are converting a “waste” problem into a valuable resource that has significant benefits for our food security, soil health, and in mitigating climate change.
Compost is the foundation of healthy soil – and healthy soil grows nutrient-dense organic food that is naturally strong and resistant to pests. By feeding the soil naturally, we avoid the use of artificial fertilisers or pesticides.
But compost does more than that – it improves soil structure, boosts water retention, reduces erosion, and helps plants to pull carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the soil. It’s a simple, powerful tool for climate action and food security.