Composting

Why Compost?

The average household bin contains 43% of organic material which could be composted. This includes items such as eggshells, tea bags, fruit and vegetable peelings. This rots in landfill sites fairly quickly, but when buried like this, it produces methane which contributes significantly to global warming. These materials can be easily composted either in a traditional compost heap or a special bin. In addition to this, grass cuttings, leaves, pruning and small plant clippings can also be composted. Composting is an excellent way of reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill.

Compost helps your garden and minimises the need for chemical fertilisers that can harm the environment and are costly to buy. Home made compost is equally as good and is absolutely FREE. By composting you also cut down on the need to buy peat based products. Most commercial compost comes from peat bogs - these provide natural habitats for rare plants and animals and are almost extinct.

How do I start composting at home?

Collect your kitchen waste (use an old plastic container in the kitchen) and garden waste and use one of the three ways to compost at home:

1. Pile it into a heap in an allocated part of the garden (on bare soil), cover with something waterproof and let nature do the rest.
2. Buy a compost bin

   To support local recycling efforts, cut price compost bins are on offer. They cost from £17 (including home delivery) for a 220-litre bin. Order from www.recycleforgloucestershire.com to save another £1.

   Alternatively, pick up a compost bin request form from any parish or town council office, or from Stroud District Council offices. Call 0845 0770757 for more information.
3. Build a compost bin/heap

   You can make your own compost bin from wood (old pallets are useful), wooden posts and wire mesh lined with thick cardboard or old carpet. Cover it with carpet, a wooden lid of black plastic to keep the rain out and heat in - this will help quicken the rotting process.

Please also see the Garden Waste page.