International Compost Awareness Week - Why Composting Matters |
International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is an annual celebration highlighting the vital role composting plays in protecting our environment and helping us reduce waste at home. This year’s theme is ‘Compost! Feed the soil that feeds us’, and it shines a light on how turning fruit and vegetable peelings and garden waste into compost helps reduce waste sent for disposal and improves soil health.
Compost improves the soil by adding organic matter, which brings nutrients, increases biodiversity, helps with water retention and can also help drainage in heavy soils.
Compost Awareness Week is a great time to learn more, try composting for the first time, or improve how you already compost. Practical tips, guidance and support for residents can be found at www.lesswaste.org.uk/compost. |
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What's happening this week |  |
During International Compost Awareness Week, residents are invited to get involved in a range of activities designed to build confidence and skills around composting. Events taking place throughout the week include workshops, drop‑in sessions and opportunities to speak to trained volunteers about composting at home in libraries across Leicestershire.
We will be sharing helpful tips on both Leicestershire Recycles and Leicestershire Master Composters’ Facebook pages. There will also be advice on common composting problems, food waste reduction and choosing the right composting method for your household. Activities are suitable for beginners, as well as those looking to improve an existing compost bin.
Events running this week:
5 May 2026
6 May 2026
7 May 2026
8 May 2026
Spaces are limited for the workshops so please sign up as soon as possible.
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| Sign up to a workshop
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Composting - Basics made simple |  |
Home composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce waste and help the environment. It is very easy to get started and doesn’t need any fancy equipment. Anyone can give it a try regardless of outdoor space: there is a solution for everyone.
Composting works by allowing natural materials to break down into a rich, soil‑like compost. All you need is a compost bin – or create a heap – and the right mix of materials. A good compost needs a balance of “greens” and “browns”. Greens include fruit and vegetable peelings, tea bags, and grass cuttings. Browns are dry, woody materials like cardboard, paper, dead leaves, and twigs. Mixing the materials helps keep air flowing and prevents bad smells.
For best results, place your compost bin or heap on soil if possible, add new material little and often, and give it a stir occasionally, using a stick or garden fork, to help it break down. Avoid adding meat, fish, dairy or cooked food, as these can attract pests.
Over time, your compost will turn into a dark, crumbly material that’s perfect for gardens and adding to pots, and houseplants. By composting at home, you’re reducing waste and giving something back to the soil. Small actions like this really do make a big difference
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| For more information, visit the Less Waste website
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| Five spring composting jobs to keep your heap tip‑top |  |
As gardens spring back into life, your compost bins and heaps do too.
Our partners Garden Organic have shared five simple composting jobs to help residents get the most from their compost as temperatures rise and activity increases.
These include turning the compost, balancing the mixture and how to use the compost you already have at the bottom of the heap.
Read the full article and get practical, seasonal composting advice from Garden Organic.
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| Read the article and get practical composting advice
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| Master Composters are ready to help |  |
Seven newly recruited Environment Action Volunteers have recently completed their Master Composter training, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to support residents across the county.
The training covers the science of composting, practical problem‑solving and effective ways to encourage others to compost food and garden waste at home. Master Composters play an important role in sharing advice, answering questions and helping communities reduce waste.
Their support will be especially valuable during events, community sessions and campaigns such as International Compost Awareness Week, helping more people compost with confidence.
Residents looking for trusted, local composting advice can access helpful resources below
If you have a specific question email waste.prevention@leics.gov.uk and we will get a Master Composter to answer it.
If you are interested in becoming a Master Composter or an Environment Action Volunteer, you can find out more and apply here https://www.lesswaste.org.uk/community-involvement/volunteering/ |
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| Environment Matters sign up page
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