Families and residents from across Hackney are invited to find out more about reducing waste by composting to mark International Compost Awareness Week (3-9 May).

The Council is encouraging residents to think about composting their household waste at home, as well as choosing peat-free composts as part of the drive to reduce waste.

There will be a chance to tour the London Waste Compost Plant in Edmonton on 7 May, to see what happens to the borough’s food waste collected through the Blue Bin scheme and pick up some free compost.

You can also meet the Compost Doctor on 9 May and see worms creating compost in a wormery and discuss recycling issues with the Council’s recycling team.

Councillor Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “This is a great time for people to find out more about being a greener gardener, about reducing waste by composting and doing their bit to help make Hackney a cleaner, greener place.”

Composting not only reduces your waste bin, it also produces a free fertiliser and soil improver which can be used on flower beds, plots, and window boxes. Even if you only have a patio, you still can play your part in helping the environment by using a wormery

Around 3,000 Hackney households have already seen the benefits that home composting can bring. For more details about how you can get a subsidised compost bins or a wormery, visit the Council’s website: www.hackney.gov.uk/wasteprevention

Events

Thursday 7 May, 10 - 11.45am - Open day at the LondonWaste Compost Plant, Edmonton. Each visitor will be eligible for a free 30 litre bag of compost and a giveaway bag. Free, booking essential - to book a place for you and your friends call Ander on 020 8356 3806 or email: ander.zabala@hackney.gov.uk

Saturday 9 May, 11am - 3pm - Compost Doctor, at Clissold Park. Discuss compost and recycling issues in Hackney and pick up free compost. Younger visitors can enjoy a bouncy castle and free face painting.