Derry and Strabane Council kicks off the International Compost Awareness Week 2026 at Acorn Farm

“International Compost Awareness Week is the largest and most comprehensive education initiative within the composting industry”, said a council representative.

This year’s theme, ‘Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us’, aims to raise public awareness of the many benefits of compost use. These include improving and maintaining high-quality soil, supporting healthy plant growth, reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, improving water quality, and protecting the wider environment.

“By placing food and garden waste into brown bins, residents play an important role in supporting the local circular economy”.

The council representative continued:

“Organic waste is diverted from landfill and processed into compost, which is then returned to benefit schools, parks and open spaces.

“Composting remains one of the most effective ways to reduce food waste while creating nutrient-rich material that enhances soil health, helping to feed your garden, not the landfill.”

Encouraging everyone to get involved in this year’s initiative, Council’s Waste and Recycling Officer, Julie Hannaway, said:

“By using food and garden waste bins, we’re not throwing things away, we’re creating quality compost that gives life back to our parks and open spaces

By turning food and garden waste into a valuable resource, we can improve soil quality, support local food growing and reduce pressure on landfill sites.”

Allan Bogle, Sustainable Food Co-Ordinator, said: “At Acorn Farm, we encourage everyone to use their brown bins- turning food waste into compost to grow fresh fruit and veg, it’s good for our health, is more cost-effective and better for the planet.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, said he was pleased to support the campaign and encouraged everyone to do their part to contribute.

He added: “International Compost Awareness Week is a great opportunity to highlight how small everyday actions can make a big difference.

I would encourage all residents to make full use of their brown bins and take pride in contributing to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable district for future generations.”

More information and guidance regarding how to recycle food waste effectively is available on the council’s website: www.derrystrabane.com/recycling