Business Details
22 Years
experience
Expert Organic Waste Composting Services in Shepparton
Western Compost (WCT) has been pioneering alternative waste treatment solutions in Australia since 2004. Founded by the Geelong-based Dickens family, our expertise lies in transforming organic waste into high-quality compost through advanced technologies including in-vessel tunnel composting, windrow composting, and anaerobic digestion. We specialize in building, owning, and operating waste treatment facilities for local governments and commercial clients, with a flagship plant in Shepparton processing 20,000 tonnes of FOGO annually.Our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship has earned us multiple awards, including the Premiers Sustainability Award 2015. We maintain rigorous quality standards through triple ISO accreditations and AS4454-2012 compliance, ensuring safe, weed-free compost products for urban, agricultural, and rehabilitation applications. Our team of 10 professionals delivers contamination-free solutions while maintaining a perfect environmental compliance record since operations began in 2008.
Services
In-vessel tunnel composting
Windrow composting
Anaerobic digestion
FOGO processing
Commercial food waste collection
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have 20+ years of experience in organic waste management solutions
- Our tunnel composting technology reduces processing time to 2 weeks
- Triple ISO-certified for quality and environmental management systems
- Award-winning environmental performance with zero pollution incidents
- Proven track record delivering Victoria's first alternative waste treatment facility
Associations and certifications
- AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008
- AS/NZS 14001:2004
- AS/NZS 4801:2001
- AS4454-2012
What people say
Award-winning environmental performance
Triple ISO-certified operations
Zero pollution incidents
Proven technology effectiveness
Community education programs
Services
In-vessel tunnel composting
Our advanced tunnel composting system processes organic waste in controlled environments, achieving pasteurization in 3+ days at 65C+. This technology reduces processing time from 6-12 weeks to just 2 weeks while eliminating weed propagules and pathogens. The closed-system approach minimizes odors and leachate, producing consistent, high-quality compost meeting AS4454-2012 standards for agricultural and rehabilitation applications.
FOGO processing
We process 20,000 tonnes annually of kerbside-collected FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) waste from 49,000 households. Our system separates contaminants and converts mixed organic waste into premium compost through multi-stage decomposition. This service helps councils meet diversion targets while reducing landfill methane emissions by 88% compared to traditional waste disposal methods.
Commercial food waste collection
We provide end-to-end solutions for commercial food waste management, including bin supply, compostable bags, and scheduled collections. Our EPA-licensed operations accept all solid commercial food waste categories, offering businesses a 33% cost saving compared to landfill disposal. The service includes contamination prevention guidance and compliance documentation for food safety audits.
Anaerobic digestion
Our dry and wet anaerobic digestion systems convert organic waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich digestate. This closed-loop solution captures methane for energy generation while producing organic fertilizers. The technology supports circular economy principles by transforming waste streams into valuable resources for agricultural and industrial applications.
Environmental rehabilitation
We supply high-quality compost products for environmental rehabilitation projects, including landfill cover, erosion control, and habitat restoration. Our 14mm particle size compost improves soil structure and water retention while suppressing weeds. The product meets strict contamination standards for use in sensitive ecological restoration projects across Victoria.
People
Dickens family
Founders
The Geelong-based Dickens family established WCT in 2004 to deliver innovative waste management solutions. With over 20 years' experience in resource recovery, they've built Victoria's first alternative waste treatment facility and secured multiple environmental awards for their sustainable practices.
Questions
What types of organic waste do you process?
We process garden waste, food scraps, and commercial food waste including meat, dairy, and cooked/uncoked food materials.
How does tunnel composting work?
Organic waste decomposes in enclosed tunnels with controlled temperature (65°C+), moisture, and oxygen levels, completing pasteurization in 3+ days.
Are your compost products weed-free?
Yes, our 3+ days at 65°C+ pasteurization process eliminates all weed propagules and plant pathogens.
How can businesses benefit from your services?
Businesses save 33% on waste disposal costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through organic waste recycling.
What accreditations do you hold?
We maintain triple ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 4801) and comply with Australian Standard 4454-2012 for compost quality.