Now is the time to get composting!
May8
Novice and experienced gardeners will have the opportunity to find out more about composting from SNC composting experts, in an initiative to encourage more people to compost in the district.
There will also be the opportunity to make an appointment with Joan Dinsdale, volunteer SNC master composter, to make a home visit to those requiring some on-site advice. Joan, who lives in Stoke Bruerne, completed her training as a SNC master composter in 2011 and has many years of gardening experience.
Cllr Dermot Bambridge, South Northamptonshire Council’s portfolio holder for environmental policy, said: “Each year households in England throw away around four million tonnes of waste that could be composted, and most people don’t realise that up to 30 per cent of their household waste is made up of organic waste which could be turned into compost.
“I hope anyone who needs some help or encouragement to compost will take the opportunity to get some expert advice, and help convert kitchen and garden waste into a valuable resource for the garden. This will not only reduce the amount that is sent to landfill each year but also reduce costs.”
Anyone needing information on composting, or to book a home-visit with SNC master composter Joan Dinsdale, should contact the SNC environmental services team on 01327 322095 or email waste@southnorthants.gov.uk.
Sacks of good quality recycled peat-free compost are now available from Farthinghoe Recycling and Reuse Centre at £3 each.
For more information on composting visit www.southnorthants.gov.uk/composting, or to purchase a discounted home composter for the garden, visit www.southnorthants.gov.uk/compostbins.
Items that can be composted include:
• fruit and vegetable scraps
• tea bags, coffee grounds
• crushed egg shells
• grass cuttings, prunings and leaves
• small amounts of shredded paper and soft cardboard
• animal hair
• vacuum dust (only if you have woollen carpets)
The following should not be put into your composter:
• cat or dog excrement
• meat
• cheese
• fish
• disposable nappies
• shiny card
Master Composter scheme
The national Master Composter scheme is open to residents of south Northamptonshire over 18 years. Each volunteer will receive free training and resources, travel expenses and support from a qualified co-ordinator. The role is to spread the composting message in their local community and all master composters are CRB checked. For further information contact the council on 01327 322344 or visit the website www.southnorthants.gov.uk/mastercomposters.