Bokashi Rebate Update
Under the Victorian Government’s Water Smart Gardens and Homes rebate scheme, water saving devices or composting equipment can receive a $30 rebate towards your water bill when you spend $100. At the beginning of 2008 some Bokashi bucket owners received this rebate without difficulty. However this stopped in about March 08 without explanation.
After some further digging I have finally managed to get a firm answer from the government as to the eligibility of the Bokashi buckets under the rebate scheme. Unfortunately they have determined it is not eligible because it is an “alternative” to composting. I think this is unfortunate as Bokashi buckets are an excellent way to get more from your green waste and it is a very useful tool for smaller families, single people, older people who cannot manage large composting bins or for people without a large space for composting bins.
We will try to get the Bokashi buckets included in the scheme during the reassessment later this year; the rebate scheme goes through 2009.
For anyone who has purchased a Bokashi bucket from us in the past year and feel disappointed you did not get the rebate please contact me and I will arrange for a complimentary bag of Bokashi mix to be sent to you.
Despite this glitch in the system the feedback from Bokashi users has been excellent. They work really well and are easy to maintain. I am sure they will continue to be popular systems even without the rebate.
Cheers, Sera
Email response from the Department of Sustainability & Environment 30/7/08
Sera
Thank you for your query regarding the Eco Bokashi bucket and it being ineligible for a Water Smart Gardens and Homes rebate.
A determination has been made that the Eco Bokashi bucket is ineligible for a rebate under the Water Smart Gardens and Homes rebate scheme.
The Eco Bokashi bucket is listed as an alternative to composting and as is noted in marketing material produces a valuable fertiliser and a fermented material which can be added to soil or broken down further through composting. We do not dispute the benefits of the process in breaking down kitchen waste and providing a valuable supplement to the garden.
The earlier decision will not be reversed at this stage, however, the product is listed for reassessment as part of the review of the rebate scheme commencing later this year.
If there is any change to the eligibility status of this product, you will be advised.
Thank you for your feed back on this product and the rebate scheme.
We trust this information addresses your inquiry.
Regards
Water Conservation Team
