More than 30% of the average household waste can be composted; compostable items include eggshells, egg boxes, hair, coffee granules, tea bags, rotten fruit, vegetable scraps, shredded paper and lots more. Composting also helps to significantly reduce carbon emissions and can be used as an effective and sustainable waste management method to reduce the amount of waste ending up in household bins around the borough.
Ian McGeough Programme Manager for Veolia Southwark and coordinator of the compost bin giveaway said, “Home composting is an easy and effective way of recycling some of the daily waste we produce. It is simple to do and once you get started, you will be surprised just how much daily household waste can be recycled.”
Councillor Darren Merrill, cabinet member for environment and the public realm, said: “Composting is one of the many small steps that residents and community groups can take to do their bit for the environment. Composting contributes to reducing the amount of waste that is sent to landfill, saving taxpayers money and helping to produce healthy, productive gardens and allotments.”
Compost bins and wormeries are sold all year round at a subsidised cost for Southwark residents, to encourage residents to recycle their organic waste. During Compost Awareness Week Southwark residents, on a first come first served basis, can get one free compost bin per household which will be offered to the first five customers of the day. Residents are required to bring proof of residency and photo identification with them when they make their collection.
For more information about composting, wormeries and organic peat free soil conditioner visit www.southwark.gov.uk/composting.
