A collaborative food waste trial involving City of Darwin, Parap Market and EcoMob has diverted more than 2.7 tonnes of food waste from landfill, demonstrating a practical way to reduce waste going to landfill and support a circular economy.

The 14-week trial saw food scraps collected from participating market stallholders and processed into nutrient-rich fertiliser for local farms and gardens.

More than 20 stallholders took part in the initiative, which diverted an average of 197 kilograms of food waste from landfill each week and avoided an estimated 5.8 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the trial showed how simple changes can deliver meaningful environmental benefits.

"Food waste makes up a significant portion of material sent to landfill, where it generates greenhouse gas emissions and represents a lost opportunity to recover valuable resources.

"This trial shows how food scraps can be diverted from landfill and transformed into something useful for Territory farms and gardens.

"It's a simple initiative that has delivered strong results, and we're pleased to see it continue at Parap Market," he said.

The trial involved stallholders separating food scraps at the source before transferring the material to a central collection point.  The food waste was then collected by EcoMob and dehydrated before being converted into a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser for local farms and gardens.

Following positive feedback from stallholders and market management, Parap Market will continue the initiative and explore opportunities to expand participation.

Businesses, market operators and event organisers interested in implementing a similar food waste collection program are encouraged to contact City of Darwin's Environment Team for further information.