Free composting demonstration for residents

The demonstration is part of the Department of the Environment’s (DOE’s) Rethink Waste campaign. Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland will be carrying out the demonstration and will have their mobile “Green Machine” and displays to highlight suitable materials for home composting. The interactive session will also provide the opportunity to make a small demonstration composter using recycled plastic bottles which you can then take home

Up to a quarter of the average household waste is organic which means that it could be turned in to compost. Every day items from vegetable peelings, egg shells and tea bags to animal bedding and even the contents of the vacuum cleaner - all can go towards making nutritious compost. Garden waste such as grass cuttings, leaves, hedge trimmings, weeds, twigs and small branches (cut into pieces) can also be composted at home in a composter or compost heap.

Speaking on the initiative Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: “Composting is a win-win solution for the environment and for your pocket. The production of nutritious compost essentially allows you to feed your garden for free. Compost helps your flower beds and vegetable plots thrive and cuts down on the amount of waste going to landfill. Reducing waste to landfill is something we all have an interest in as failure to meet landfill targets could result in fines totalling £500, 000 per day.

“I encourage everyone – whether a seasoned composter or someone just thinking about starting, to go along to this free demonstration.”

For further information on how you can reduce, reuse and recycle log on to www.rethinkwasteni.org

For information on recycling in your area please contact:- Technical Service Department 028 2076 2225