As part of International Compost Awareness Week (CAW), Durham County Council is encouraging more residents to get composting by holding compost information stalls in Durham and Coundon near Bishop Auckland. Around one third of the contents of an average UK household bin can be composted at home, such as vegetable peelings, tea bags, cardboard and shredded paper, as well as all the garden waste that can be added to a compost bin. Home composting helps to reduce the amount of household and garden waste being disposed of and also produces nutritious compost, which can be used on flower beds, vegetable plots and in hanging baskets.

There are a range of compost bins and accessories available to suit new recruits and seasoned gardeners alike. Victoria Burrell, waste strategy team manager said “Many people don’t realise how much of their waste can be composted. “Everything from fruit scraps to coffee grounds and vacuum cleaner contents to shredded paper can go in a composter, helping to reduce waste. “It also provides great organic Residents Urged to Compost compost which can help plants to grow and save gardeners money on shop bought fertilisers.”

As part of International Compost Awareness Week, Durham County Council is encouraging more residents to get composting with an offer promoted in partnership with getcomposting.com. Residents can purchase discounted compost bins from as little as £17.98 and alongside a ‘buy one get one half-price’ offer, residents can purchase a second compost bin from only £8.99 (RRP £39). To get involved head online to www.getcomposting.com, or call 0844 571 4444. For further information on home composting visit www. durham.gov.uk/composting