Schools and community groups in County Durham are being encouraged to take part in a pumpkin and sunflower growing challenge in support of a worldwide campaign.
International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) 2018, which runs from Sunday May 6 to Saturday May 12, aims to make people more aware of the benefits of home composting.
Durham County Council’s waste strategy team is working in partnership with Durham Community Action’s Growing Durham to encourage local schools and community groups to get involved over the summer by growing the tallest sunflower or largest pumpkin.
The winning team will receive a £100 voucher for gardening equipment for the school or group.
John Shannon, strategic waste manager, said: “By composting we can reduce the amount of household and garden waste we produce. Composting also improves soil quality so can be used to feed plants and gardens.
“We want to raise awareness of these benefits and encourage people to start composing at home if they don’t already.”
During ICAW 2018, Durham County Council’s waste strategy team will also be holding a composting information stall at Durham city market on Saturday May 12 from 9am until 3pm. People are encouraged to come along and get advice on how to start composting and how to make the most of their day-to-day waste.
To enter the competition, email the waste strategy team with your school or group name, contact details and how many people will take part, by Saturday May 12, to [email protected].
Teams will be sent free seeds and given more information about the competition, which will be judged in October 2018.
Residents in County Durham can also take advantage of the council’s current discounted prices for home compost bins.
Prices start from £17.98. A second compost converter can be purchased from £8.99.
A one-off delivery charge of £5.99 applies. This offer ends on March 31 2019.
To order a compost bin or for more information, visit www.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444.
• Pictured above: DCC waste strategy and policy officers Rachel Gatland and Vicky Bell.