Meet Satar, one of our team members on the front line, turning the contents of your garden organics bin into earth-feeding compost. This work is done right here in Geelong, at the City’s Anakie Garden Organics Processing Facility.

Tell us one of the things you like most about your job.

Before moving to Australia, I lived in Germany, where I managed large events and hotels.

Although this role is very different, it has the same buzz and activity of my management role. The constant movement with the various contractors, farm staff and customers create an interesting and vibrant work environment.

I also enjoy being a part of the circular economy that positively impacts our environment and community.

What are some weird things people put in their garden bins?

Microwaves, computers, furniture, LPG gas bottles, dog beds and bean bags!

Has working in this role changed how you think about waste?

I didn't understand how much work and effort went into waste processing. Starting at the bottom makes you appreciate the importance of keeping contamination out of our recycling streams.

Contamination in the yellow and green lid bins dramatically impacts the quality of the products we're trying to produce. You can make a big difference just by putting the right thing in your bin.

What is your number one waste tip or something you do at home to reduce waste?

Think of what you put into your green and yellow lid bins as ingredients that get turned into new products, because that’s what they are.

What do you wish the Geelong community knew about your job?

The garden waste they put in their green bin goes somewhere, and gets turned into high-quality compost!

I also think people don't realise the diverse skills and experiences that each waste worker brings to the team.

For example, our picking team (the workers who pull contamination like plastic and dog poo out of garden bin material) includes a software programmer. Our coordinator started his career as a sourdough baker, our horticulturist was a kitchen garden teacher, and I have worked in high-end manufacturing for the automotive industry.

What are some challenges of working at the Garden Organics Processing Facility?

There is a lot of large and unusual machinery at our site, so safety is a constant topic that we discuss and live daily. Also, being on a remote site, we need to be mindful of bushfires and snakes in summer, which is interesting, having moved over from Europe!

What would your perfect day (when not at work) look like?

Going for a walk on the beach with my wife. I am still amazed by the amount of nature in Australia and how accessible it is living in Geelong.