Worms at Work: Yarra’s Edge embraces worm bench innovation

Docklands has welcomed its first community worm bench, with the promenade near 18 Pence Lane café at Yarra’s Edge now home to an innovative piece of street furniture that’s turning food waste into fertile compost.

Installed on August 30, the initiative is part of the City of Melbourne’s Worms at Work pilot, a project that reimagines everyday seating by integrating worm farming and composting into functional benches. Designed by landscape architect Zoe Wang and gardener Michael Mobbs, the initiative aims to reduce waste, encourage community participation, and inspire new approaches to sustainability.

The council’s head of the innovation and education portfolio Cr Andrew Rowse said the Docklands installation was a striking example of how small ideas could spark wider change.

“We’re backing innovators to test bold ideas in the real world, and get feedback directly from the community,” Cr Rowse said.

“Worms at Work turns ordinary street furniture into a catalyst for sustainability – reducing waste, sparking conversations, and most importantly inspiring lasting behaviour change. These worms aren’t sitting on the bench, they’re on the front lines of council’s efforts in fighting sustainability ‘wormfare’.”

The Yarra’s Edge bench follows the first business-led installation at St Ali Coffee Roasters in Fishermans Bend earlier this month, while another will soon be introduced at Susuro Urban Winery, also in Fishermans Bend. 

The benches will be maintained by trained Business and Community Champions, ensuring the worms are well cared for and the composting process runs smoothly. The nutrient-rich compost and “worm juice” produced will be shared with locals for use in gardens and plants, while integrated sensors will provide real-time data on soil health and food waste volumes.

For 18 Pence Lane, the installation is already generating interest among customers, who are learning more about sustainable practices over their morning coffee. •

With Docklands residents now directly involved in the pilot, the worm bench is expected to create both environmental benefits and a sense of shared responsibility in the local community. •