Information on Loughborough

Composters to spread heaps of advice

Posted on 29/12/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council

29 December 2009

Composters to spread heaps of advice

Keen gardeners from across Leicestershire proved they were complete rotters at a composting course.

The two-day event prepared 23 volunteers to spread the word about the benefits of turning garden and food waste into glorious compost.

The sessions are part of a wider project designed to recruit people to raise the profile of home-composting. These 'Master Composters' will use their skills and enthusiasm to promote the benefits of home-composting within their communities, encourage more people to get involved and help with any queries or problems.

At the event, run earlier this winter by Garden Organic in association with the Leicestershire Waste Partnership, they learnt what people can compost both from the garden and the home, to feed the soil and keep down the contents of kerbside bin collections.

Michael Rook, Chairman of the Leicestershire Waste Partnership, said: “Leicestershire currently recycles and composts 52 per cent of its waste – and is aiming to increase that to 58 per cent by 2017.

“To build on this, we are encouraging people to compost their own garden and food  waste at home. This not only cuts the amount of waste which needs collection but also provides a boost for gardens.”

Birstall volunteer, Kate Watson, said: “I was told that dinner parties will never be the same. The conversation will turn to composting and I am likely to be led down the garden path to view the compost heap before I get any food!”

The volunteers were shown a range of compost bins as well as food waste digesters such as the Green Cone which can even deal with cooked food waste.

They will now join 36 existing master composters in spreading the composting message at local events, libraries, schools and other community venues to help persuade others to build those heaps.

For more information about master composters, composting or food waste digesters please visit www.lesswaste.org.uk or call 0116 305 7005.