26/11/2013 - Permalink

Keep composting this winter

Related topics: Leisure, culture and heritage / Partner organisations

Shropshire residents are being reminded to keep composting this winter, and can take advantage of some specially-discounted home compost bins to help them do so.

Home composting is easy to do all year round, and it’s something that can be done throughout the winter, and especially over the Christmas period.

Shropshire Council and their contractor Veolia are currently working with www.getcomposting.com to offer residents in Shropshire specially-discounted prices on a range of compost bins. Visit the getcomposting website for more information and to place an order.

Some tips for composting at Christmas

  • At Christmas we always eat much more and produce more food waste than at any other time of the year. Your compost bin will really appreciate the peelings from your tasty winter vegetables and festive fruits such as satsumas and clementines.
  • Wood ash from open fires can be put into your compost bin. Let it cool right down first though: you don’t want to cook the worms and other little critters working hard to produce your compost.
  • Plain wrapping paper (non metallic/plastic) and gift tags can be scrunched up and added to the mix, but if you do, make sure you add it gradually and mix with your fruit and veg peelings to get the right balance. Cardboard packaging from Christmas toys and gifts will add fibre and structure to your bin, as well as paper napkins, Christmas crackers, inners and party hats.
  • The remnants of your New Year’s Eve party will also be a welcome addition to your compost bin. Nut shells, wooden cocktail sticks, paper plates and some party food packaging. Natural corks from wine can also be added but will take longer to break down.
  • When the festivities have drawn to a close for another year, if there is any room left in your compost bin you can add those natural home-made decorations, the holly and the ivy, mistletoe, paper chains and other natural / compostable decorations.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for waste management, said:

“Home composting is a great way to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill all year round, but we’re encouraging people to carry on composting throughout the winter months and especially over the Christmas period. You’ll be surprised how many Christmas items can be composted.”

For more information visit www.recycleforshropshire.com.