Product Overview

Summary: This Organic Waste Composting SOP sets out safe, compliant and efficient methods for handling, processing and storing organic waste on Australian worksites. It helps you control odours, pests, contamination and manual handling risks while turning organic waste into a valuable resource in line with WHS and environmental obligations.

Organic waste composting can significantly reduce disposal costs and landfill volumes, but poorly managed systems can create serious WHS, hygiene and environmental risks. This Organic Waste Composting Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for safely collecting, handling and processing food scraps, green waste and other organics in workplaces such as schools, hospitals, commercial kitchens, offices, industrial sites and local government facilities. It addresses how organic waste is segregated, stored, transported and composted so that workers, contractors and visitors are protected from biohazards, pests, odours and manual handling injuries.

Developed for the Australian regulatory context, the SOP helps businesses demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation while supporting corporate sustainability goals and council or state-based waste diversion targets. It defines roles and responsibilities, sets out required PPE, outlines safe operation of composting equipment (such as in‑vessel systems, tumblers or windrows), and details hygiene, housekeeping and pest control measures. It also covers environmental considerations such as leachate management, stormwater protection and temperature monitoring to ensure effective pathogen kill. By implementing this SOP, organisations can run a reliable, safe composting program that staff understand and actually follow, reducing risk, improving participation and delivering measurable environmental benefits.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe handling of organic waste to minimise exposure to biohazards, allergens and offensive odours.
• Reduce the risk of manual handling injuries through defined lifting, transport and equipment use practices.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS, environmental protection and waste management requirements.
• Standardise composting processes across sites to improve consistency, participation and contamination control.
• Demonstrate visible commitment to sustainability and resource recovery while controlling operational risks.

Who is this for?

• Facility Managers
• Environmental and Sustainability Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Grounds and Maintenance Supervisors
• Waste Management Coordinators
• Hospitality and Catering Managers
• Aged Care and Healthcare Facility Managers
• Education Campus Services Managers
• Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Officers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to biological hazards such as bacteria, moulds and fungi from decomposing organic matter
• Allergic reactions and respiratory irritation from mould spores and organic dusts
• Manual handling injuries from lifting or moving heavy bins, bags and composting equipment
• Slip, trip and fall risks around wet, uneven or cluttered composting and bin storage areas
• Pest infestation (rodents, insects, birds) and associated disease vectors
• Offensive odours affecting indoor air quality and neighbouring properties
• Sharps or foreign objects concealed in organic waste streams
• Heat stress or burns when handling high‑temperature compost piles or in‑vessel systems
• Chemical exposure from cleaning agents or odour control products used in composting areas
• Environmental contamination from leachate entering soil or stormwater systems

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Organic Waste
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Council Requirements
• 5.0 Required Training and Competency
• 6.0 Required PPE, Tools and Equipment
• 7.0 Organic Waste Segregation and Acceptance Criteria
• 8.0 Collection, Labelling and Internal Transport of Organic Waste
• 9.0 Composting System Set‑up and Operation (bins, tumblers, in‑vessel, windrows)
• 10.0 Safe Handling, Turning and Monitoring of Compost
• 11.0 Housekeeping, Hygiene and Pest Management Controls
• 12.0 Odour, Noise and Environmental Protection Measures
• 13.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Controls
• 14.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures (spills, exposure, fire, pests)
• 16.0 Cleaning, Disinfection and Wastewater/Leachate Management
• 17.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Recordkeeping
• 18.0 Training, Consultation and Continuous Improvement
• 19.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3816: Management of clinical and related wastes (where healthcare food and organic wastes are handled alongside other streams)
• AS 4454: Composts, soil conditioners and mulches
• Local council and state government waste and resource recovery guidelines (e.g. organics and FOGO programs)
• Environment protection legislation and guidelines issued by state and territory EPAs regarding waste handling and storage