Chance for gardeners to cash in on a discount compost bin

Organic waste sent to airless landfill sites cannot decompose properly, so greenhouse gas methane is generated

LEICESTERSHIRE County Council is encouraging residents to help their gardens thrive and tackle climate change by buying a cut-price compost bin.

The authority is offering bins for as little as £12, to contribute towards its aim of becoming a net zero county by 2045.

Many people will be taking advantage of the warmer weather to prepare their garden for the summer months – and composting items such as fruit and vegetable peelings and grass cuttings is a great, natural way to dispose of your organic waste.

Organic waste sent to airless landfill sites cannot decompose properly, so methane is generated – a greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change.

Composted organic waste will take about a year to decompose and the new compost – a brown soil-like substance with a crumbly texture – can then be dug back into the garden to provide nutrient-rich food for your plants.

Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda, said: “It is a great time for residents to start composting to help reduce waste, lower carbon emissions and live more sustainably.

“Any Leicestershire resident can compost if they have an outdoor space, and free support is available from the council’s master composters. “We know residents want to do their bit to make Leicestershire a cleaner, greener place, and learning how to compost or becoming a volunteer is one of the many ways residents can do so.” Working in partnership with Garden Organic, the council is on the lookout for new master composters to help reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfill.

More than 100 volunteers have helped spread the word across the county since the scheme began in 2008.

People who sign up will receive free training and can use their own skills and enthusiasm to raise awareness of the benefits of home composting and gardening.

The scheme is open to residents of Leicestershire (excluding Leicester city) and volunteers must be over 18.

To apply, visit the volunteering page of the Less Waste website, run by Leicestershire Waste Partnership.

www.lesswaste.org.uk

Order a discounted compost bin at:

getcomposting.com

To speak to a master composter and receive free guidance, email: