Four local Bundamba schools are among 217 across the state to receive funding to help reduce organic waste.

Ripley Valley State Secondary College, Bellbird Park State Secondary College, Kruger State School and Goodna Special School were today awarded the grants as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $500,000 Organic Waste Smart Schools program.

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the funding would support the purchase of new equipment like worm farms and compost bins to help minimise waste from fruit and vegetables.

“The program will also facilitate the introduction of new learning opportunities for our local students while addressing waste or resource recovery challenges at the schools,” Mr McCallum said.

“We’re investing a record $1.4 billion to protect the environment and create jobs as part of our COVID-19 economic recovery plan – and supporting initiatives in waste is a key component of that.

“Half of all the rubbish that goes into our bins is waste from food and gardens.

“That’s waste that can be turned into valuable products like compost, soil and mulch, rather than becoming methane gas in landfill and contributing to climate change.

“Helping our local school students learn and develop good habits about waste and waste reduction will create real, lasting change for future generations.”