A three-day composting workshop and free compost bins for schools are just two of the ways that Merton Council is supporting International Compost Awareness Week from 1 – 7 May 2005.

During composting week, which will be marked across Europe, Canada and the United States, Merton Council will be promoting the benefits of making and using compost instead of sending waste to landfill. The following activities are taking place:

– Composting Workshops in Merton Link 4 – 6 May
Come to Merton Civic Centre between 10am and 2pm from Wednesday 4 – Friday 6 May for advice on how to compost at home.

– Selling subsidised compost bins
Merton Council have joined forces with WRAP to offer residents subsidised compost bins from as little as £5. Order by calling 0845 077 0760 , visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/recycling/compost or order directly at the Composting Workshops in Merton Link.

– Free compost bins for schools
Merton is offering all Merton schools a free compost bin for the school grounds and a composting assembly. Interested schools should contact 020 8274 4902.

– Waste education
Five primary schools in the borough are taking part in Merton’s Waste Education Programme. As part of this ongoing programme Merton’s waste minimisation officer will be visiting the schools and teaching children how to compost, what happens inside a compost bins and the time it takes for different organic matter to turn into compost. The schools involved are Morden, William Morris, Bond, Links and Benedict.

For more information about composting visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/recycling/compost

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