The demonstration and workshop 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.”
Jean Stewart from Carrickfergus Borough Council said: “The Council is delighted to be able to host this free composting demonstration and workshop for our residents. Composting returns vital organic matter and nutrients to the soil and it reduces the amount of landfilled waste, the production of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases. Over the last year through recycling and composting the Council has diverted tonnes of waste from landfill saving local rate payers a considerable amount of money”.
“Those attending the event have an opportunity to win prizes including a top of the range composter. Alternatively compost bins can be purchased from Sullatober Depot, 10 Marshallstown Road, Carrickfergus BT38 9DE for a cost of £15 or alternatively you can send a cheque to the value of £20 (made out to Carrickfergus Borough Council) to Carrickfergus Town Hall and a Compost Bin will be delivered to your property.” Jean concluded.
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 Jean Stewart on 028 9335 1192 or visit the Council website at www.carrickfergus.org/recycling.
James McCambridge with Jean Stewart and Jennifer Smyth from Carrickfergus Borough Council
CVNI helping out at the Composting Day at Eden Allotments
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