A great garden doesn’t have to cost the earth

1:50pm Saturday 10th May 2008

Kennet District Council is calling on everyone to give their gardens a boost by buying a compost bin this spring.

Since the Recycle Now Home Composting campaign was launched in 2004, 1.7 million compost bins have been bought - so if you don't compost already, there has never been a better time to start.

The scheme, which aims to encourage residents to compost more at home by offering tips, advice and cheaper compost bins, has proved a huge success in Kennet.

Home composting is still one of the best ways to help the environment on a daily basis, and is a habit that can be quickly incorporated into your regular kitchen and garden routines.

For instance, it's not just grass cuttings that can go into your compost bin: you can also add scrunched up cardboard, teabags, vegetable peelings and coffee granules - even shredded confidential documents.

To help encourage residents to re-use their waste to benefit their garden, Kennet District Council is working in partnership with Wiltshire County Council and WRAP and offering a variety of subsidised compost bins.

Mary Treneer, Waste Minimisation and Recycling Officer said;"Making compost at home is an environmentally friendly and effective way of reducing your waste and producing a free, nutrient-rich fertiliser for your garden.

Bins will be available to residents of Kennet, with the Comp 220 litre bin available for £17, the Comp 330 litre bin for £20 and the KOMP 250 for £40.

If you wish to find out more about getting a subsidised compost bin contact Kennet District Council on 01380 724911 or visit www.kennet.gov.uk for more information.