The twelfth annual international Compost Awareness Week (CAW) is being held this week and the council is encouraging its residents to “Give Back to the Earth” in line with this year’s theme to promote the making and use of compost at home.
During the week, Bath & North East Somerset Council plans to stage a series of road shows based around the theme to highlight the great environmental benefits of home composting. Scheduled events include road shows at Keynsham Forecourt (by the clock tower) on Wednesday 9 May 11am – 4pm) and at the Council’s Give and Take Day on Saturday 12 May 10am – 2pm) at Saltford Hall. A display about home composting will also be on show at Council Connect at the Hollies, Midsomer Norton the week.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said, “Most people don’t realise that up to 30% of their household bin is made up of organic waste which can be turned into compost. Composting plays an important part in reducing the amount of waste Bath & North East Somerset Council sends to landfill. It helps us cut our landfill charges and reduce harmful emissions going into the atmosphere.
“It is an inexpensive, natural process that transforms your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient rich food for your garden. Home compost can improve soil structure, maintain moisture levels and help to keep your soil’s PH balance in check while helping to suppress plant disease.”
UK households in England throw away around 4 million tonnes of waste every year that could have been composted. Home composting not only helps to significantly reduce carbon emissions, it can also be used as an effective and sustainable waste management method to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
For those interested in home composting, now is the perfect time to get started. Through Bath & North East Somerset Council, householders can buy home compost bins for as little as £16 for a 220 litre model and £19 for a larger 330 litre version.
Water butts are also on special offer for £28.95 for a 100 litre kit and £38.95 for a 190 litre kit.
For further information about these products, please call: – 0844 571 4444. Alternatively, you can also order your home composters and composting accessories online, just visit http://www.getcomposting.com.