More than 100 worm farms will be set up across the city, after sustainability organisation Why Waste received $19,000 from a Dunedin City Council commercial waste minimisation grant to establish itself.
Waste minimisation grants are funded by waste disposal levy funds provided by the Ministry for the Environment and are not rates-funded.
Why Waste turns food waste into soil through a nationwide network of professionally serviced worm farms in households and businesses.
Founder Leo Murray, of Mount Maunganui, said he was delighted to receive the funding.
"It means we can establish that base in Dunedin — we’re pumped to bring the service to Otepoti."
The worm farms were on a subscription basis for businesses, organisations or individuals.
A one-off set-up cost of $25 was followed by a subscription fee of $25 a month to have the worm farm maintained.
"Instead of selling a worm farm we’re providing a service.
"If they’re not doing their job we have more worms or can replace them entirely."
While there were 15 farms in the city at present, it was hoped all 100 worm farms would be set up across the city within the next 12 months.
Mr Murray said he hoped to see worm farms in every street and high-rise one day.
