Compost giveaway at recycling centres

These will allow householders to compost their own biodegradable waste.

The Council’s recycling centres are well utilised by residents and those who recycle items at these centres during Compost Week will receive a free bag of compost. These bags will be allocated on a first come first served basis as long as stocks last.

The Council’s three recycling centres are located at: The Cutts, Derriaghy, BT17 9HN,6 Comber Road, Carryduff, BT8 8AN, Dromara Road, Drumlough, Hillsborough, BT26 6QA

Councillor Brian Hanvey, Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee, said: “Celebrating Compost Week is an excellent initiative for the new council to engage with residents and encourage them to keep up the good work and recycle food waste to ensure a tremendous success citywide.

“I am delighted that the Council is able to offer home composters at a reduced price of £7 to residents during International Compost Awareness Week. These simple to use composters offer an excellent opportunity for residents to create their own compost for use in flowerpots and rose beds.

“I would encourage as many residents as possible to consider availing of this offer as about 30% of household waste can be turned into compost.

“Over the last year in the Council area, the brown bin scheme diverted nearly 17,000 tonnes of waste from landfill saving over £590,000 to the ratepayers compared to the cost of this material being landfilled.

Councillor Hanvey added: “I would encourage all residents to consider their household waste and identify methods for reducing and reusing it as well as continuing to recycle.

“During this week the Council will also be offering bags of compost to the local schools that are part of its Zero Food Waste initiative.

This initiative returns useful compost to schools who have segregated and recycled waste food using the Council’s food waste collection service. Schools can use this compost to grow improve their gardens or to grow plants or flowers or crops from seed,” concluded Councillor Hanvey.

For more information on recycling, waste management or to get a free kitchen caddy starter kit call 028 9250 9453 (Lisburn) or 028 90 49 4600 (Castlereagh) onto www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk