Eco Management
Following a comprehensive study in the late 1990s, a cost-efficient Waste Minimisation Strategy for Lord Howe Island was proposed. It included recommendations for:
- Packaging
- a fee per plastic bag
- promotion of keg beer instead of single serve containers
- a source separation of recyclable containers at point of generation
In June 2000 a Vertical Compost Unit was introduced to replace the existing system of shipping organic waste off the Island. A three bin sorting system was also introduced for Recyclables, Compostables and Garbage items.
The Recycling Facility, including the Compost Unit is open to the public for inspection from 2pm–3pm Thursdays.
Visitors can help keep Lord Howe Island beautiful by:
- Separating waste for recycling and composting
- Using backpacks for shopping instead of plastic bags
- Conserving water as the Island is rainfall dependent
- Conserving energy as the Island is power generator reliant
The Lord Howe Island Board, Island Rangers, Friends of Lord Howe Island, and many others work diligently to conserve the rich, natural heritage that is Lord Howe Island – and any help is appreciated!
Vertical Composting Unit
In mid 1997, Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman and Founder of Clean Up Australia, in response to the Lord Howe Island Board's desire to reduce waste going to landfill, lobbied both Federal and State governments for funding assistance towards finding a solution.
Nominated by the island community as a Clean Up Australia Fix Up Project Lord Howe Island's waste reduction program attracted the attention of the CRC for Waste Management & Pollution Control and Anne Prince, an environmental consultant. Their proposed solution was revolutionary - a bio-waste treatment process known as a Vertical Composting Unit (VCU).
The VCU goes beyond other composting options because it's able to process the Island's entire organic waste including meat, dairy products, food scraps, green waste, cardboard, paper and sewage sludge.
Since its installation the VCU is processing between 0.8 to 1.2 tonnes per day. This produces between 0.5 - 0.75 tonnes of compost, which local residents are using on their gardens.
As the first application of the technology in an isolated community with World Heritage status, the VCU demonstrates the world's best environmental practice in sustainable tourism.
Lord Howe Island Quarantine Notice
Please remember to clean your boots and socks thoroughly to avoid bring to the Island weeds and insects that could damage our fragile environment.
For more information on Lord Howe Island's Eco Management, take one of our Preserving Paradise Virtual Tours »
