People can learn all about the importance of composting when Croydon Council staff will be on hand at sites around the borough to encourage more residents to do the right thing with their organic waste.

As part of National Composting Awareness Week between May 5 and May 9 the council will be encouraging people to make use of its seasonal green waste collection service – or, even better, compost their own waste at home.

Composting trumps landfill because, unlike when organic waste is buried and starved of oxygen, it does not give off harmful methane gas when it is treated in this way.

As part of this year’s campaign, “Food for Thought”, residents are being encouraged to put their compost to good use by trying their hand at growing their own fruit and vegetables as a way to go green and save money in these difficult financial times.

Jack Swale of Spa Hill allotments said: “By choosing to compost at home, taking part in the green waste collection service and choosing to use compost containing recycled green materials you’re not only helping the environment, but getting great results in your garden.”

Officers will be on hand at each of the events to answer any queries residents may have on composting and there will be some free give-aways.

For more information call Croydon Council on 020 8726 6000.

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