County Durham residents are being urged to ‘give back to the earth’ by taking up composting during this year’s Compost Awareness Week, this week…
Composting is an inexpensive, natural process that transforms kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient rich food for garden soil.
Home composting helps the environment too by reducing the amount of household and garden waste disposed of in landfill sites.
It’s not difficult to compost at home, all that’s needed is an outside space and a bin and the nutritious free compost produced can be used on flower beds, vegetable plots and hanging baskets.
A wormery is also an ideal alternative for people who don’t produce very much garden waste or have limited outside space.
Durham County Council’s waste strategy and policy officer Rachel Gatland said: “Around one third of the contents of an average UK household bin can be composted at home. This includes vegetable peelings, tea bags, cardboard, shredded paper and even coffee grounds.”
Residents who already compost could also join the Master Composters during Compost Awareness Week. These compost champions are community volunteers who help raise awareness of the benefits of home composting to residents across County Durham.
Anyone needing tips on getting started with a composting project can pop along to the Farmers Market at Durham City Market Place on Thursday, 17 May between 10am and 3pm. Representatives from Durham County Council’s strategic waste management team and the Master Composter volunteers will be providing help and advice.
Durham County Council is also offering composting bins at discounted prices. To order a bin or for further information telephone 0844 571 4444 or visit www.getcomposting.com
For more information about home composting or how to become a Master Composter visit www.durham.gov.uk/recycling or telephone 0191 383 5674.
